OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous pedicle fixation in thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic compromise. METHODS: The study included patients aged between 18 and 70 with AO thoracolumbar fracture type (A.3) and kyphosis >30° or reduction of vertebral body height >50% or >50% of spinal canal compromise, who underwent surgery with percutaneous pedicle fixation in the first ten days after fracture. Radiological parameters were evaluated: Cobb angle, vertebral collapse, anterior wedging and spinal canal compromise preoperatively, postoperatively and at the end of follow-up. The clinical and functional outcome was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: Mean operative time was 81 minutes (Min 69, Max 95 min). The mean volume of intraoperative blood loss was 85ml (75 Min and Max 155 ml). The mean follow-up was seven months (3 months Min, Max, 14 months) with an average ODI of 18% (excellent). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical results suggest that the pedicle fixation percutaneous technique may be an alternative to surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures type (A.3), without neurological deficits. This technique has proved to be safe and effective, with the advantages of a minimally invasive approach.
Spine; Spinal fractures; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Fracture fixation, internal; Lumbar vertebrae; Thoracic vertebrae
