OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of posterior monosegmental pedicle screw fixation in selective treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.

METHODSFrom June 2005 to June 2008, 28 patients (male 17 and female 11, the age was 19- 60-years-old with an average of 36 years) with thoracolumbar fractures were treated with posterior monosegmental pedicle screw fixation in our department. According to the AO classification, 19 patients with type A1 fracture and 9 with type A2. The place of pedicle screw and reduction of injured vertebral body were observed.

RESULTSPostoperative CT scan showed 56 pedicle screws were all placed in the normal part of injured vertebral body. There was no spinal cord injury and infection after surgery. There were restoration of anterior body compression from mean preoperative (42.0 +/- 5.6)% to (12.4 +/- 1.4)% (P<0.05), and restoration of Cobb angle from mean preoperative (25.8 +/- 5.1) degrees to postoperative (1.9 +/- 1.3) degrees (P<0.05). All the patients were followed up for 3-36 months (average in 18.3 months). All fractures achieved bone healing, without significant loss of the vertebrae body height and implant failure.

CONCLUSIONAs indication is correctly choosed, posterior monosegmental pedicle screw fixation can be applied to treat thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.