Acute lumbar burst fracture treated by minimally invasive lateral corpectomy

Abstract

Burst fractures in acute spinal traumas are a difficult problem to solve. Different approaches and techniques have been utilized, but with high incidence of morbidity and mortality, besides unsatisfactory clinical and radiological results. Mini-open approaches recently emerged and have been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of several spinal conditions. Here we report a case of acute lumbar burst fracture at L2 treated by minimally invasive true lateral approach posteriorly instrumented with percutaneous pedicle screws. The minimum disruptive access in addition to a rigid construction allowed a lumbar corpectomy without the morbidity of standard open approaches, lowering surgery costs and accelerating the patient recovery with successfully clinical and radiological results.

Figure 1

X-ray and CT scan showing a burst fracture on L2 vertebra with a fragment inside the spinal canal.

Figure 2

Intraoperative fluoroscopy and immediate postoperative X-ray showing implant position and fracture reduction.

Figure 3

AP and lateral X-rays showing good coronal and sagittal alignments 12 months after surgery.

Figure 4

CT scan showing solid fusion 24 months after the procedure. The device design promotes the ossification inside and outside of the prosthesis.