The efficiency of short-segment fixation with a transpedicle body augmenter for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures was retrospectively evaluated. Patients included in the study had limited neurologic function, a single-level burst fracture involving T11-L2, and no distraction or rotation trauma. Patients in the control group (n = 45) were treated with short-segment posterior instrumentation alone, whereas patients in the augmented group (n = 75) were treated with a titanium block designed for transpedicle body reconstruction. The followup was 24-70 months. The operation time and blood loss were similar in both groups. The immediate postoperative anterior vertebral restoration rate of the augmented group was similar to that of the control group (96.8% +/- 2.1% versus 96.7% +/- 3.0%). The final anterior vertebral restoration was greater in the augmented group than in the control group (93.7% +/- 3.0% versus 66.3% +/- 10.5%). Immediate postoperative kyphotic angles were not significantly different between the groups (3.2 degrees +/- 1.5 degrees versus 5.5 degrees +/- 2.0 degrees). The final kyphotic angles were less in the augmented group than the control group (6.7 degrees +/- 3.0 degrees versus 19.6 degrees +/- 5.1 degrees). The control group had more implant failures than the augmented group. The augmented group had better results according to the Denis pain scale. Posterior body reconstruction with a transpedicle body augmenter can maintain kyphosis correction and vertebral restoration, prevent implant failure, and lead to better clinical results.
Level of evidence: Therapeutic study, Level III-2 (retrospective cohort study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.