Anterolateral Decompression And Three Column Reconstruction Through Posterior Approach For The Treatment Of Unstable Thoracolumbar Fracture

Objective:To discuss the clinic effect of anterior lateral decompression and three column reconstruction through posterior approach for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fracture.Method:The study colony is made up of39patients(32males and7females) who had a unstable burst thoracolumbar fracture,all of them were managed with the posterior approach of anterior lateral decompression of spinal canal and three column reconstruction.Then segmental height, segmental kyphosis,decompression,neurologic status,and so on were evaluated.Results:The mean operative time was120mins.The mean blood loss was1080ml. The neurologic status of the patients have different degree improvement.In5Frankel A score cases,3improved to B,2no improved. The mean kyphotic angulation improved to6.7°at the last follow up, and the loss of segmental height improved from a mean of36.5%before surgery to8.2%one year later. The bony fragment encroachment upon the spinal canal have been absolutely relieved after operation.No looseness and rupture of internal fixation.Conclusion:The technique of anterior lateral decompression and three column reconstruction through posterior approach is one perfect approach to treat the unstable thoracolumbar fracture,because of less injury,sufficient spinal cord canal decompression, three column reconstruction just by posterior approach,spinal stability recovery post-operation.