The optimal treatment for thoracolumbar fractures (TLF)
without neurological deficit remains controversial. Majority
of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated
open operative approaches but have yet to compare the
outcomes of minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle
fixation (MIPPF) versus non-operative treatment. A
retrospective cohort study was performed to compare clinical
and radiological outcomes between MIPPF and conservative
groups for TLF AO Type A1 to Type B2 during a 2-year
follow-up period. Pre-operative plain and CT films were
evaluated and decision made for short segment (non-fusion)
MIPPF. Patients who refused operation were treated
conservatively with three months of body cast, brace, or
corset. MIPPF group showed earlier Visual Analog Score
(VAS) improvement at six months post-injury (0 vs 6.0- p<
0.001), as well as better functional and radiological
outcomes (p<0.050) at final follow-up. Progressions of
regional kyphosis (RK) were noted in both groups but there
was no significant difference within and between them
(p>0.050). MIPPF as a method of internal bracing can be
pursued in the treatment of TLF, with larger future cohorts
and RCTs being called for to support and explore new
findings.