Abstract：Objective To investigate the methods and effects of posterior fixation and fusion in treatment of complete thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation.Methods The study enrolled 8 cases of complete thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation treated by posterior fixation and fusion with pedicle screwrod system between January 2006 and December 2012.There were 7 males and 1 female,at mean age of 31.9 years (range,19-49 years).Mean time interval between injury and surgery was 8.1 days (range,4-12 days).Fracture-dislocation classification was AO type C,Denis three-column injury,and Meyerding grade V.According to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA),there 5 cases at grades A,1 at grade B,1 at grade C 1 at grade E.Fracture-dislocation segments included T5-T6 in 1 case,T12-L1 in 3,L1-L2 in 2,L3-L4 in 1 and L4-L5 in 1.Results Mean duration of surgery was 220.6 minutes (range,135-335 minutes) and mean intraoperative blood loss was 1 150 ml (range,500-2 400 ml).Seven cases sustained dural laceration during the operation,which were sutured or covered with autologous fat grafts,but 3 of them were subjected to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and healed after conservative therapy.Anatomic reduction was achieved in 6 cases,partial reduction in 1 and non-reduction in 1.Mean Cobb angle improved from 29.3 ° (range,8 °-51 °) preoperatively to 1.9 ° (range,-5°-10 °) postoperatively.After a mean follow-up of 39.3 months (range,2-76 months),2 cases were recovered from preoperative ASIA grade A and B to C respectively and 6 cases (4 A,1 C,1 E) revealed no significant improvement.There was no implant loosening or breakage.One case was died of lung-related complications at postoperative 4 years.One case sustained lumbar deep infection at postoperative 3 weeks and managed by debridement,irrigation,drainage and implant retention.Conclusion Posterior fixation and fusion is the general treatment principle for complete thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation,but the degree of reduction depends on severity of the injured spinal cord.
