OBJECTIVETo research the efficacy and feasibility for unstable fracture of thoracolumbar with AF spine internal fixation device.

METHODSThirty-two patients with unstable fractures of T11-L3 were treated with AF spine internal fixation device and autograft between vertebral lamina vertebral body transverse process from January 2002 to June 2006. There were 21 female and 11 male, aging from 58 to 72 years with a mean of 62 years. All these patients were examined with x-ray and CT preoperative and postoperative respectively. They were followed-up thirteen months averagely, observing the stability of spinal column, bone grafting fusion, the height of vertebra and recovery of anterior bone fragment herniation.

RESULTSAll these AF spine internal fixation devices treated for the unstable fractures of thoracolumbar had not removed because of internal fixation failure or pain. Fracture healing and grafting fusion appeared after operation three months averagely. X-rays revealed post-protrusion angle were recovered from 22 degrees to 8.5 degrees, the heights of anterior were recovered from 50% to 86%, the angle of posterior were recovered from 94% to 98%. The postoperative CT scan showed that six cases with herniation to canal gained a completely recoveries.

CONCLUSIONAF spine internal fixation device used in early stage for unstable fracture of thoracolumbar is a simple and effective method. It has advantages such as providing early substantial fixation, maintaining a well three column stability. Bone grafting is a key factor in this operative technique.