Evaluation of minimally invasive percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation as an evolving modality for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

Abstract Background Percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation was recently introduced as a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture. This approach is superior to the traditional open surgical approaches in decreasing intraoperative blood loss, infection rates, and paraspinal muscle damage with less hospital stay. Objective This study aims to report our surgical experience, the feasibility and safety of percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation of thoracolumbar spine fractures. Method we retrospectively reviewed the charts of all adult patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures who underwent percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation during the period between January 2020 to January 2023 at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Prince Mohamed Ibn Abdelaziz Hospital. Collected data included: demographics, pre- and postoperative neurological assessment, radiological data including type of fracture and cobb’s angle pre- and postoperatively, operative time and amount of intraoperative blood loss. Results Forty-three percutaneous pedicle screw fixation procedures were done for 42 patients. Thirty patients were males. Dorsal spine fractures accounted for 18 cases. Preoperative American spinal injury Association score was E in 37 cases. Mean operative time was 133 min (± 46.5), and mean intraoperative blood loss was 107.1 ml (± 84). The mean follow-up period was 8 months, and the average hospital stay was 7.7 days. Radiological complete bony fusion was achieved in 77% of fractures, and 93% had improved kyphotic angle with a mean correction degree of 7.9 (± 9). Conclusion Percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation is a safe and effective treatment option for the management of thoracolumbar spine fractures with or without spine decompression that provides satisfactory functional outcomes.