European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Fifty patients with thoracolumbar fractures were treated by internal fixation using the Dick fixator. In the first 22 patients (group 1) this was accompanied by posterior intertransverse grafting. The technique was then modified in the following 28 patients (group 2) to include transpedicular elevation of the depressed vertebral end plate and grafting of the vertebral body, in an attempt to reduce the postoperative loss of correction of the kyphotic deformity. ⋯ There was no difference in the complication rate between the two groups and no complication attributable to transpedicular bone grafting. The radiological results postoperatively and at a mean follow-up period of 9 months were assessed by measurement of the kyphosis angle, anterior vertebral height, anterior displacement, scoliosis, and reduction in cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. In group 1 the mean preoperative kyphosis angle and anterior vertebral height were 8 degrees and 21 mm; postoperatively these values were -12 degrees (lordosis) and 27 mm; and at follow-up they were -4 degrees and 24 mm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)