Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
1.1K
Mono-Segment Fixation Versus Short-Segment Fixation in Adult Patients With Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures: A
Vishnu Kumar1, Pasupathy Palaniappan1, Deep Sharma1
1Orthopedics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND.
Cureus
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Mono-segmental fixation (MSF) offers similar radiological outcomes to short-segment fixation (SSF) for thoracolumbar fractures. This approach may reduce surgical morbidity, blood loss, and operative time in select cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Thoracolumbar spine fractures are common and challenging in trauma care.
- Pedicle screw fixation is standard, but optimal fixation length for single-level injuries is debated.
- Short-segment fixation (SSF) and mono-segmental fixation (MSF) are compared for stability and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of MSF versus SSF in treating single-level thoracolumbar fractures.
- To evaluate radiological outcomes, surgical morbidity, and patient-reported pain.
Main Methods:
- A single-center randomized controlled trial involving 26 patients.
- Patients were randomized into MSF (n=13) or SSF (n=13) groups.
- Radiological outcomes (SI, AVHL, CA, LKA) and surgical parameters (blood loss, time, drain volume, pain) were assessed over one year.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in sagittal index, anterior vertebral height loss, or Cobb's angle between MSF and SSF groups at one year.
- MSF group showed a higher mean change in local kyphotic angle (P=0.018).
- MSF group had significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (P=0.055) and surgical time (P=0.039) compared to SSF.
Conclusions:
- MSF is a viable alternative to SSF for specific thoracolumbar fractures (both pedicles and one end plate intact).
- MSF provides comparable radiological outcomes to SSF.
- MSF may lead to reduced surgical morbidity, including decreased operative time and blood loss.
