Percutaneous augmented instrumentation of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures

摘要

Background Internal fixation of unstable thoracolumbar spine fractures requires correction of the lacking anterior column support. This usually entails insertion of a vertebral body replacement strut through an anterior approach, or a long posterior construct spanning at least two vertebrae above and two vertebrae below the fracture. Posterior short-segment pedicle instrumentation (SSPI)—one vertebra above and below—is suitable for approximately 40% of fractures, but not for all.