OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and the feasibility of bending rod reduction in situ technique in treating low lumbar burst fracture.

METHODSFrom March 2007 to June 2009, 21 patients with low lumbar burst fracture were retrospectively analyzed, 11 cases were in L3,6 in L4 and 4 in L5. There were 16 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 25 to 59 year with an average of 37.9 years. According to ASIA classification, nerve function was level A in 2 cases, level B in 2, level C in 10, level D in 4 and level E in 3. Pedicle screws were implanted and bending rod reduction in situ technique was applied through posterior approach. Radiographic and neurological scores were compared before and after operation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 12 to 39 months with an average of 16.5 months. Radiographic examinations demonstrated that anterior height of fractured vertebral body was from 57.9% preoperatively to 94.1% postoperatively (P < 0.01 ); sagittal index was from 29.1 preoperatively to 0.240 postoperatively (P < 0.01). Spinal canal occupation ratio was from 49.6% preoperatively to 13.4% postoperatively (P < 0.01). Nerve function was level A in 2 cases,level B in 0, level C in 0, level D in 4 and level E in 15.

CONCLUSIONBending rod in situ technique could achieve 3-column reduction in 3-dimentionally at the same time, and reconstruct the stability of low lumbar.