Abstract
Recently, the percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) has been introduced. We performed thoracolumbar posterior spinal fusion using the PPS under navigation based on minimally invasive surgery. During 12 months from March 2011 through February 2012 we performed thoracolumbar posterior spinal fusion using the PPS for 14 thoracolumbar vertebral fractures resulting from trauma. We analyzed the outcome of these cases in terms of the period until surgery, the injury severity score (ISS), operation time, bleeding volume, range of fixation, and presence or absence of vertebroplasty. With regard to the period until surgery, the day of injury accounted for the most cases (n=4), and 60% of cases were treated surgically within 3 days. The average ISS was 24, and the average operation time was 143 (86-264) min. The average blood loss was 92 (10-296) ml. Range of fixation of 2 intervertebral level was accounted for the most cases (n=5). Seven cases were treated by vertebroplasty. We conclude that the PPS is useful for treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in cases of trauma because of its minimal invasiveness, minimal associated bleeding, and short surgery time.
