BACKGROUND:Many previous retrospective smal-sample studies analyzed the short-term effects using pedicle screw placement to repair thoracolumbar fracture. Conclusions are relatively thin. Simultaneously, screw placement in the injured vertebra can further stabilize the vertebral body, and reduce screw and rod breakage and loss of correction. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the long-term effects of pedicle screw placement fixation through the injured vertebra in the repair of thoracolumbar fracture. METHODS: From February 2010 to February 2012, 36 patients with thoracolumbar fracture, who were treated in the Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou Panyu District Second People’s Hospital, were selected. They were treated by vertebral pedicle screw placement fixation. Height ratio of preoperative injured vertebral leading edge was averagely 36%. Kyphosis angle (Cobb angle) was 25°. Sagittal diameter of the center of the vertebral canal was 60%. Nerve function was classified according to Frankel classification: grade A, 2 cases; grade B, 6 cases; grade C, 10 cases; grade D, 9 cases; grade E, 9 cases. The height ratio of injured vertebra, kyphosis angle (Cobb angle), sagittal diameter of the center of the vertebral canal and Frankel classification of nerve function were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The postoperative folow-up was 3-3.5 years. Pain was obviously aleviated postoperatively in 36 patients. Average height ratio of injured vertebra was 95%. Kyphosis angle (Cobb angle) was 3.5°. Sagittal diameter of the center of the vertebral canal was 96%. Significant difference was found in the above indexes before and after treatment (P < 0.05). Postoperative neurologic recovery: grade A in 1 case, grade B in 2 cases, grade C in 3 cases, grade D in 4 cases, and grade E in 26 cases. Postoperative fractures were reset. Complications such as breakage, loosing or correction loss were not found. These findings suggest that pedicle screw placement fixation through the injured vertebra in the repair of thoracolumbar fracture can make a satisfactory reduction, enhance the pressure stability of the spine, reduce the internal fixation of fracture and vertebral height loss, and have good long-term effects, indicating that the implant and host have good biocompatibility.