Feasibility of Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in The Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures

Background: Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation [PPSF], where screws are inserted through small holes in the skin, has become a popular approach for treating thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures. It has been shown to produce satisfactory outcomes. Aim of the work: The aim was to examine the procedure and assess the practicality, safety and results of using PPSF to treat thoracolumbar fractures. Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study included 20 patients with thoracic or lumbar spine fracture, without neurological deficit, whom were operated upon by percutaneous screw fixation, and were assessed clinically [for improvement and development of complications] and radiologically [for healing and correction of deformity] by follow up over 6 months after surgery. Results: All cases achieved full radiological union by 3 months. The mean union time in our cohort was 2.1±0.5 months. Postoperatively, a statistically significant improvement in the vertebral kyphotic angle to a mean value of 4.7 ± 2.3 was observed [Bonferroni post-hoc test, P = 0.001]. The correction was maintained till last follow-up. Two patients [10%] developed incomplete paraplegia [Frankel grade D]. Misplacement of the pedicle screws was recorded in 6 of 90 screws in six patients. Conclusion: The PPSF is a valuable surgical procedure for patients with thoracic and lumbar vertebral fracture.