Abstract
PURPOSE: Our goal was to observe the midterm results of a case series of Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture treated with anterior decompression with single segmental spinal Interbody fusion. METHODS: Twenty patients with Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fractures underwent anterior decompression with single segmental spinal Interbody fusion. They underwent clinical and radiologic follow-up for at least three years after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period lasted 57 months. To the last follow-up, there were no cases of internal fixation loosening, failure and other complications. Titanium mesh or interbody bone grafts were in good position. Spinal kyphosis was not observed. Interbody fusion was achieved for all cases. The average fusion time was 4.5 months. Based on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, percentage of vertebral body height loss and Cobb angle, the difference was statistically significant between the preoperative period and postoperative one year or final follow-up (P < 0.05). Results at postoperative one year and final follow-up were better than the preoperative period. However, the difference was not significant between postoperative one year and final follow-up (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Good midterm results on clinical and radiologic evaluation of anterior decompression with single segmental spinal Interbody fusion for suitable patients with Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture can be achieved. The incident rate of relative complications is low.