A Prospective Study on Clinical, Radiological, and Functional Outcomes of Traumatic Dorsolumbar Spine Fractures...

Traumatic injuries involving the dorsolumbar junction are prevalent in patients experiencing high-velocity impacts, especially road traffic accidents or falls from height, as well as in elderly patients with osteoporosis who sustain fractures even with minor trauma. The thoracolumbar junction represents a biomechanical transition zone susceptible to injury, and timely stabilization is critical to prevent or limit neurological impairment.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of patients with dorsolumbar spine fractures treated with posterior pedicle screw and rod fixation.

A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 adult patients with dorsolumbar fractures (D10-L2) due to trauma. Clinical (the American Spinal Injury Association score, Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), radiological (Beck's index, regional kyphotic angle), and functional outcomes (Denis scales) were recorded preoperatively, postoperatively, and follow-up period at 3 and 6 months.

The most common mechanism was fall from height (58.7%). Neurological improvement occurred in 30 out of 38 patients with incomplete deficits. There was a significant improvement in Beck's index (0.646 ± 0.08-0.776 ± 0.03) and regional kyphotic angle (15.67° ±5.87°-10.28° ±3.09°) over 6 months. VAS scores decreased from 6.6 ± 1.6 to 1.7 ± 1.1. At 6 months, 86.9% of patients had minimal-to-moderate pain (Denis P1/P2), whereas 69.5% returned to full-time work.

Posterior pedicle screw fixation provides effective radiological correction, pain relief, and neurological recovery in dorsolumbar fractures. It enables early mobilization and functional recovery with minimal complications.