Analysis of Surgical Approaches for Burst-Type Thoracolumbar Fractures in a Reference Hospital in Northeastern Brazil

Thoracolumbar burst fractures are among the most common spinal injuries, frequently resulting from high-energy trauma, such as traffic accidents or falls from height. These injuries can lead to severe pain, neurological deficits, and long-term disability, representing a major public health concern. Effective surgical management is critical to restoring spinal stability, minimizing neurological impairment, and improving patient outcomes.

This retrospective, descriptive cohort study analyzed medical records of patients treated for burst-type thoracolumbar fractures at a reference hospital in Northeastern Brazil between 2014 and 2020. Variables assessed included sex, age, trauma mechanism, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) neurological grading, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain, fracture classification, and surgical approach. Neurological and pain outcomes were evaluated at admission and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment.

Our analysis showed a significant improvement in outcomes when short-segment arthrodesis was used, particularly in the comparison between preoperative status and 3 months postoperatively. No significant preference was identified for either long or short arthrodesis in relation to fracture types A3 or A4. Similarly, the decision to place a pedicle screw at the fracture site did not vary significantly between these fracture types. Patients with A3 fractures demonstrated greater Cobb angle variation compared to A4 fractures, with statistical significance.

These findings suggest that short-segment arthrodesis, particularly when combined with pedicle screw fixation at the fractured vertebra, may be a viable and cost-effective option in selected cases despite potential kyphotic progression.