Reduce the fractured central endplate in thoracolumbar fractures using percutaneous pedicle screws and instrumentational maneuvers: Technical strategy and radiological outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic thoracolumbar burst fracture is a common condition without a clear consensus on the best treatment approach. Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) techniques are widely used in practice, while its ability to correct fracture deformity is relatively weak, especially for the central area of the endplate. In this study, we reported a novel technique to reduce the fractured central endplate in thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Methods: The new reduction technique uses six percutaneous pedicle screws for the fractured vertebra and its adjacent vertebrae. Pedicle screws implanted in the two adjacent vertebrae were parallel to the superior vertebral endplate, as routinely required. Two monoaxial pedicle screws implanted in the fractured vertebra were placed toward the anteroinferior portion of the fractured vertebral body. After routine instrumentation and ligamentotaxis reduction, the bolt heads of the four screws implanted in the adjacent vertebrae were first tightened, and then the bolt heads of the screws implanted in the fractured vertebra were gradually tighten to elevate the collapsed endplate. A fundamental principle of this technique is to implant the pedicle screw in the fractured vertebra towards the anteroinferior portion of the vertebra in such a way that the angle between the pedicle screw and the rod is oblique on lateral fluoroscopy. As such, when the bolt heads were tightened, the pedicle screws can be swung up to reduce the endplate fragments.

Results: The novel technique was performed in 24 patients with neurologically intact thoracolumbar AO type A3 fractures. The middle vertebral height ratio was significantly improved from 69.7%±7.6% after routine reduction to 85.1%±4.5% postoperatively (p<0.01). No complication was noticed for this new reduction technique. At 6-month follow-up, no significant correction loss of the middle and posterior vertebral height ratios, Cobb angle, and vertebral wedge angle was observed, while 5.8% of correction loss was observed for the anterior vertebral height ratio.

Conclusion: The described reduction technique is simple, safe, and effective in reducing the collapsed central endplate in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Such a practical reduction strategy does not need additional medical costs.

Keywords: Endplate reduction; Minimally invasive surgery; Percutaneous pedicle screw technique; Spine trauma; Thoracolumbar burst fracture.