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Integration of Stent Screw-Assisted Internal Fixation Into Posterior Fixations for High-Grade Thoracolumbar Spine
Gianpaolo Jannelli1,2, Francesco Marchi3, Marco Pileggi4
1Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
International Journal of Spine Surgery
|April 9, 2026
Summary
The novel SAIF-Rod technique integrates stent screw-assisted internal fixation (SAIF) into posterior fixation for complex thoracolumbar fractures. This minimally invasive approach effectively treats high-grade osteoporotic, traumatic, and neoplastic fractures with deformity, showing promising initial results.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Minimally invasive techniques
- Orthopedic trauma
Background:
- Stent screw-assisted internal fixation (SAIF) is a viable minimally invasive option for complex thoracolumbar fractures.
- High-grade fractures with deformity often require combined anterior and posterior stabilization.
- The SAIF-Rod technique integrates SAIF into posterior fixation for enhanced stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the SAIF-Rod procedure.
- To discuss its biomechanical advantages.
- To present initial case series outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Vertebral body stent expansion followed by screw insertion for kyphoplasty.
- Integration of SAIF screws with posterior fixation construct.
- Use of rod-bending and compression for deformity correction.
Main Results:
- SAIF-Rod treated 21 patients with osteoporotic, neoplastic, and traumatic fractures.
- Mean follow-up was 12 months with no major complications (Clavien-Dindo grades 4-5).
- Low intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay were recorded.
Conclusions:
- SAIF-Rod is a minimally invasive surgical option for complex thoracolumbar fractures.
- It is particularly useful for high-grade fractures with significant deformity.
- The technique demonstrates safety and efficacy in initial case series.
