Dural tears in lumbar burst fractures with greenstick lamina fractures

STUDY DESIGN: This study investigated the incidence, predictions, and treatment principles of greenstick lamina fractures in lumbar burst fractures. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of dural tears in lumbar burst fracture with greenstick lamina fracture and to find out if any specific clinical and radiographic factors or intraoperative pathologic findings are predictive of dural tears and nerve root entrapment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A retrospective review was conducted on 45 patients with 47 lumbar burst fractures treated operatively. Ages ranged from 15 to 70 years (average, 33 years). The duration of follow-up ranged from 32 months to 8 years (average, 52 months). METHODS: All clinical charts and radiologic data of these patients were reviewed. Age, sex, etiology, and all the radiologic parameters were analyzed for their association with greenstick lamina fracture and dural tear. Student's t test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Greenstick lamina fracture occurred in 20 (42.5%) of 47 burst fractures. Dural tear was detected in 9 (19%) of 47 burst fractures and was predominantly higher in L3 (6 of 9 burst fractures). According to multiple logistic regression analysis of the data, a 20% increase in the interpedicular distance gives a 79% probability of greenstick lamina fracture. The distance between the edges of greenstick lamina fractures was obviously higher in fractures with dural tear. Neurologic status was completely normal before surgery in three of the patients with dural tear and nerve root entrapment. CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to detect dural tear and nerve root entrapment in greenstick lamina fracture before surgery. Therefore, if there is any suspicion of such an occurrence, it should be the rule to begin with posterior approach and use the open book technique to expose the dura safely before any reduction maneuver.     

Dural tears associated with lumbar burst fractures

A retrospective review of 817 spinal fracture patients revealed a 7.7% (20 of 258) incidence of dural tears in surgically treated patients. Dural tears were most common in the lumbar burst fractures (10 of 85). Twenty-five percent of patients with lumbar spine burst fractures and a neurologic deficit had a dural tear requiring repair. Eighty-six percent of patients with lumbar burst injuries and dural tears had a neurologic deficit. An initial posterior approach with inspection of the dura and stabilization of the fracture is recommended when treating lumbar burst fractures with a neural deficit.     

合并椎板骨折的L_2-L_5爆裂性骨折伴硬膜及马尾神经卡压

目的 探讨合并椎板骨折的L2-L5爆裂性骨折中硬脊膜撕裂及马尾神经卡压的创伤机制、发生率,以及哪些临床和影像学表现有助于术前判断硬脊膜撕裂和马尾神经卡压.方法 对36例行手术治疗的合并椎板骨折的L2-L5爆裂性骨折进行回顾性分析.结果 36例中,16例(44.4%)并发硬脊膜撕裂,有硬脊膜撕裂的患者神经损伤程度明显重于无硬脊膜撕裂的患者,前者伤椎椎弓根间距增宽率明显高于后者.结论 对于椎板骨折,尤其是裂缝骨折的患者,术前很难通过影像学表现明确判断是否有硬脊膜撕裂及马尾神经卡压.因此只要怀疑有硬脊膜撕裂,应首先选择后路手术方案,任何复位操作宜在椎管减压之后进行.     

Functional outcome of low lumbar burst fractures. A multicenter review of operative and nonoperative treatment of L3-L5.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 42 patients treated at three major medical centers for burst fractures of L3, L4, and L5. This is the largest low lumbar (L3-L5) burst fracture study in the literature to date. The study was designed to assess both radiographic and clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients treated during a 16-year period. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether conservatively treated patients with low lumbar burst fractures had satisfactory outcomes compared with those in a surgically treated cohort of patients. The study included patients with and without neurologic deficits. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Burst fractures of the low lumbar spine (L3-L5) represent a small percentage of all spine fractures. The iliolumbar ligaments and location below the pelvic brim are two stabilizing factors that are unique to these fractures when compared with burst fractures at the thoracolumbar junction. METHODS: Forty-two (n = 42) patients with low lumbar burst fractures were identified from 1980 through 1996. Medical records, radiographs, and follow-up Dallas Pain Questionnaires were obtained. Loss of anterior vertebral height, kyphotic angulation, and amount of retropulsion were recorded at several phases of treatment. Mean follow-up time was 45.2 months (range, 5-132 months). Twenty patients were treated without surgery (18 were neurologically intact, and 2 had isolated nerve root injury), and 22 underwent surgery (14 had neurologic injury, 8 were intact). RESULTS: No patient showed neurologic deterioration, regardless of treatment. Fracture of the third lumbar segment showed the greatest tendency toward kyphotic collapse and loss of height in the nonoperative group, although this was not reflected in the final functional outcome of both groups. The ability to return to work and achieve a good-to-excellent long-term result was not significantly different among fracture levels or between surgical and nonsurgical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results of nonoperative treatment of low lumbar burst fractures were comparable with those of operative treatment. The rate of repeat surgery (41%) and absence of a clearly definable long-term functional or radiographic benefit in patients without neurologic compromise may make surgery less appealing.     

Burst fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine. A clinico-neuropathologic analysis

Neuropathologic analysis of eight acute and 12 chronic burst fractures was performed. In the acute cases, the injury to the bony, ligamentous, and neural tissues was investigated. Serious Denis B or D fractures showed signs of pronounced instability, and all had a large bone fragment rotated into the spinal canal. The neural tissues were compressed in two cases and transected in one. The Denis A fractures had relatively well-restored ligamentous structures and the bone fragment in the spinal canal was narrowing the spinal canal less than 50% in all cases. Three of four had normal neural tissue macroscopically and microscopically. The majority of the patients with chronic burst fractures did not show any sign of bone fragment resorption. Six out of eight patients with thoracolumbar (T12 and L1) and lumbar (L3) fractures experienced intractable burning pain and/or rhizopathy. The pain seemed to be caused by entrapment of the nerve roots in adhesions.     

Conservative management of thoracolumbar and lumbar spine compression and burst fractures: functional and radiographic outcomes in 136 cases treated by closed reduction and casting

Introduction  Both fractures of the lumbar spine and at the thoracolumbar junction are quite common. The treatment of these fracture types is discussed controversially. Some authors advocate surgical treatment even in fractures without neurologic compromise while other series report good results after non-operative treatment. Materials and methods  Between January 1997 and April 2004, 324 patients with spinal fractures were admitted to our institution. Hundred and thirty-six patients with compression and burst type fractures treated by closed reduction and casting were available for follow-up. Their medical records, radiographs and computer tomography scans were reviewed and their functional status was assessed. Results  94 male (69.1%) and 42 female (30.9%) patients with a mean age of 48.6 years (range 17–81) at time of injury were included. The thoracolumbar junction (T11-L1) was affected in 104 patients (76.5%). 23.5% had lumbar fractures. All of the burst type fractures with involvement of the posterior column affection were type A3.3. fractures according to the Magerl classification. Significant correction of radiographic parameters was achieved in the early postreduction period (P < 0.0001). Reduction could not be maintained at the final follow-up but still showed slight improvement compared to the initial presentation. Reduction could be maintained better in the thoracolumbar region than in the lumbar spine. Neurologic function was restored in all patients with unilateral radicular pain but only one patient recovered fully after cauda equina-syndrome. Patients after lumbar spine indicated a higher level of pain when compared to patients with fractures at the thoracolumbar junction. Discussion  Closed reduction and casting is a safe and effective method for treatment of compression and burst type fractures at the thoracolumbar junction and can restore neurologic function in patients with unilateral radicular pain. It is of limited value in lumbar fractures and in burst type fractures with posterior column involvement.     

经后路椎弓根钉内固定加钛网骨移植椎间融合治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 探讨胸腰椎骨折经后路切除伤椎的可行性及临床效果.方法 2006年4月至2007年6月,经后路椎弓根钉内固定、伤椎切除及钛网骨移植椎问融合术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折27例,男2l例,女6例;年龄22～53岁,平均33.6岁.骨折节段Tu 3例,T12 7例,L1 9例,L2 6例,L3 1例,L1例.采用Frankel分级标准评定神经功能恢复情况.术前神经损伤程度按Frankel分级标准:A级8例,B级13例,C级6例.结果 27例患者术后获3～12个月(平均8.2个月)随访.术后压迫脊髓的骨块完全切除,Cobb角平均3.2°,脊柱恢复牛理曲度.术前19例不完全性神经损伤患者神经功能恢复一级或一级以上;8例完伞性神经损伤患者中,5例无改善,2例神经功能由A级恢复至C级,1例由A级恢复至D级.结论 对于三柱损伤的急性胸腰椎骨折患者,应用经后路椎弓根钉内固定、伤椎切除及钛网骨移植椎间融合术治疗,能彻底切除压迫脊髓的前方骨块,具有骨折复位满意、手术创伤小及并发症少等优点.     

Angulated greenstick fractures of the distal forearm in children: closed reduction by pronation or supination

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a reduction method that is based on the theory of Evans to reduce angulated greenstick fractures of the distal forearm with a rotation manoeuvre, to evaluate an immobilisation technique and to evaluate a brief survey on surgeon practice for treatment of these fractures. A retrospective study was performed on 21 patients. Fractures were reduced with a pronation or supination manoeuvre depending on the angulation of the fracture and were immobilised in pronation or supination. A good reduction was achieved in all patients. Six weeks after manipulation a loss of reduction was seen in 6 out of 21 patients, but with a reangulation of less than 15 degrees. There was no significant difference between fractures immobilized in pronation or in supination. There was no need for remanipulation. At the 2008 Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care Foundation (OTC) meeting, a brief informal survey was performed concerning the reduction method and the use of K-wires after reduction. No surgeons indicated they would perform only a rotation manoeuvre.     

胸腰椎爆裂骨折1589例患病特点回顾性分析

目的调查河北医科大学第三医院胸腰椎爆裂骨折病例的流行病学状况。方法由8人组成的调查组入医院病案室调集2003年1月1日～2007年12月30日全部胸腰椎爆裂骨折病例,设计调查表进行相关因素的登记,对胸腰椎爆裂骨折的流行特征及5年发生情况进行动态分析。结果2003年1月～2007年12月共收治胸腰椎爆裂骨折1589例,其中男性871例,女性718例,从性别分布看,青壮年时期和老年时期都是男性多于女性;单节段骨折1086例,双节段314例,多节段189例;中青年多见高发人群在31~40岁,骨折的原因以高处坠落伤为主,趋势分析发现胸腰椎压缩骨折发生率随年龄增长无明显增加趋势,成人体力劳动者为发生率较高的人群;时间上来看5年间胸腰椎爆裂骨折发生率呈总体上保持平稳趋势,性别上看男性胸腰椎压缩骨折发生率比女性高,存在显著差异(P<0.05)。胸腰椎爆裂骨折发生的季节分析结果表明无明显差异。结论胸腰椎爆裂骨折病例近5年呈平稳趋势,单节段骨折多发,预防的重点人群为青壮年男性体力劳动者和老年女性。     

Low lumbar burst fractures: comparison between conservative and surgical treatments.

Twenty-two low lumbar burst fractures (L3-L5) were treated, with an average follow up of 56.2 and 39.0 months in the conservative and surgically treated groups, respectively. Twenty patients were available for review; seven were treated conservatively and 13 were stabilized surgically. All patients were evaluated clinically for work status, activity level, residual pain, and subsequent development of neurologic symptoms. Roentgenograms were reviewed for severity of initial fracture, canal compromise, and maintenance of initial correction. In general, neurologically intact patients in both groups returned to similar postinjury employment levels. Persistent back pain was found to be more disabling in the surgically treated group, in which a fusion incorporating four or five lumbar segments was performed. There was no evidence of significant loss of initial reduction, and no patients experienced late neurological compromise in the surgical group. An average follow-up kyphosis of 9.2 degrees and 31% loss of vertebral height were observed in the conservative group, while a follow-up lordosis of 1 degree and 19% loss of vertebral height were observed in the surgical group. Conservative treatment of low lumbar burst fracture is a viable option in neurologically intact patients, but loss of lordosis and vertebral height may persist. Biomechanical and anatomic characteristics of the low lumbar spine differ from the thoracolumbar region and may account for the inherent stability of these injuries. If surgery is chosen, a long fusion with distraction instrumentation should be avoided in the low lumbar spine. A short rigid fixation with pedicular instrumentation may be of greater benefit.     

Patterns of collapse in thoracolumbar burst fractures

OBJECTIVE: Functional outcomes of neurologically intact patients with burst fractures may be dependent on final kyphosis at the end of treatment. Conservative treatment is indicated if an acceptable sagittal alignment of the spine can be anticipated. Thoracolumbar burst fractures are often grouped as a single entity where, in fact, anatomically distinct areas of the spine may behave differently owing to different biomechanical factors. The goal of this work was to evaluate differential behavior in terms of final kyphosis in anatomically distinct regions of the spine following stable burst fractures. METHODS: Prospective analysis of kyphosis in 60 patients treated conservatively for traumatic thoracolumbar burst fracture was conducted. Initial trauma supine radiographs were measured for initial kyphosis (Ki). Final kyphosis (Kf) in the upright patient was measured at the end of treatment. The Ki and Kf were plotted on a scatter graph; with use of linear regression analysis, a mathematical model was created to define a relationship between Ki and Kf based on anatomic level of the spine. RESULTS: The thoracolumbar spine behaved in two independent patterns with respect to Kf. Kf at the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L1) had a collapse pattern that could be approximated most accurately with the equation Kf = Ki + 0.5 Ki. At the midlumbar spine, L2-L3 level, a best-fit model for collapse was Kf = Ki + 4 degrees . CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients, fractures that were categorized as "stable" and not requiring surgery were studied for the purpose of determining differential collapse patterns in anatomically distinct areas of the lumbar spine. We have demonstrated that the thoracolumbar junction and the midlumbar spine behave differently biomechanically and recommend that these two anatomic levels be studied independently for research purposes.     

前后联合入路治疗严重腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的 探讨前后联合入路治疗严重腰椎爆裂性骨折的疗效.方法 回顾性分析2000年2月至2006年12月收治并获得随访的34例严重腰椎爆裂性骨折患者,男31例,女3例;年龄23～48岁,平均35.4岁.损伤部位:L_1 10例,L_2 14例,L_3 6例,L_4 4例;骨折按AO分型均为A3型;脊髓神经损伤按Frankel分级:A级4例,B级10例,C级14例,D级6例.术前椎体前缘高度丢失37%～71%,平均丢失46.6%±5.1%;后凸Cobb角5°～45°,平均25.5°±3.1°;腰椎管骨块侵入占椎管矢状径百分比为57%～98%,平均72.5%±3.1%.其中采用一期前后路手术19例,分期前后路手术15例. 结果 手术时间3.5～5.0 h,平均4.3 h;术中出血1400～2200 mL,平均1700 mL;输血1000～1600 mL,平均1280mL.术后椎体前缘高度恢复至正常的95%～100%,平均98.6%;后凸Cobb角-11°～9°,平均-2.0°±1.1°,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).29例椎管得到彻底减压,无骨折块占位,其余5例椎管侧方仍有少量骨块.所有患者随访11～84个月,平均42.5个月.最后随访时伤椎前缘高度及后凸Cobb无明显丢失,与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).无假关节形成,未出现内固定松动、断裂现象.脊髓神经功能除4例A级无变化外,其余均有Ⅰ～Ⅲ级的恢复,最后恢复到C级2例,D级15例,E级13例. 结论 前后联合入路是治疗严重腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效方法 ,但应严格把握手术适应证.     

Anterior dural laceration caused by thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures

A retrospective review of the records of 60 patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures was undertaken to document the incidence and evaluate the sequelae of dural injuries found during anterior procedures. In the entire series, six (10%) patients each had a preexisting vertically oriented dural tear. All patients with anterior dural lacerations were male and had associated neurologic deficits. In all six patients, preoperative computed tomography showed an asymmetrically retropulsed bone fragment. Dural tears were repaired primarily. A postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak developed into the chest cavity of one patient, who was treated successfully with subarachnoid drainage. In patients with anterior dural laceration, primary repair is warranted and can be performed more easily after intraoperative correction of kyphosis. Subarachnoid drainage may be effective in cases of continued postoperative anterior cerebrospinal fluid leakage before repeated operation is considered.     

Distal radius fractures in children: substantial difference in stability between buckle and greenstick fractures

Background and purpose Numerous follow-up visits for wrist fractures in children are performed without therapeutic consequences. We investigated the degree to which the follow-up visits reveal complications and lead to change in management. The stability of greenstick and buckle fractures of the distal radius was assessed by comparing the lateral angulation radiographically.Patients and methods The medical records of 305 distal radius fractures in patients aged less than 16 years treated at our institution in 2006 were reviewed, and any complications were noted. The fracture type was determined from the initial radiographs and the angulation on the lateral films was noted.Results Only 1 of 311 follow-ups led to an active intervention. The greenstick fractures had more complications than the buckle fractures. The lateral angulation of the buckle fractures did not change importantly throughout the treatment. The greenstick fractures displaced 5° on average, and continued to displace after the first 2 weeks. On average, the complete fractures displaced 9°.Conclusion Buckle fractures are stable and do not require follow-up. Greenstick fractures are unstable and continue to displace after 2 weeks. Complete fractures of the distal radius are uncommon in children, and highly unstable. A precise classification of fracture type at the time of diagnosis would identify a smaller subset of patients that require follow-up.     

Low lumbar burst fractures: a unique fracture mechanism sustained in our current overseas conflicts

Background contextThe most common location for burst fractures occurs at the thoracolumbar junction, where the stiff thoracic spine meets the more flexible lumbar spine. With our current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have seen a disproportionate number of low lumbar burst fractures.PurposeTo report our institutional experience in the management of low lumbar burst fractures.Study designRetrospective review.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of medical records and radiographs for all patients treated at our institution with combat-related injuries and thoracolumbar fractures. We included all patients who had sustained a burst fracture from T12 to L5 and had at least 1-year clinical follow-up.ResultsThirty-two patients sustained burst fractures. Nineteen patients (59.4%) had low lumbar (L3–L5) burst fractures, and 12 patients (37.5%) had thoracolumbar junction (T12–L2) burst fractures as their primary injury. Additionally, seven patients sustained less severe burst fractures at an additional level. One patient sustained burst fractures at both upper and lower lumbar levels. Of the low lumbar fractures, 52.6% had evidence of neurologic injury, two of which were complete. Similarly, in the upper lumbar group, 58.2% sustained a neurologic injury, two of which were complete. Twenty-two patients underwent surgical intervention, complicated by infection in 18%. At most recent follow-up, all but one patient with presenting neurologic injury had persistent deficits.ConclusionLow lumbar burst fractures are the predominant combat-related spine injury in our current military conflicts. The rigidity offered by current body armor may effectively lower the transition zone that normally occurs at the thoracolumbar junction, thereby, transferring forces into the lower lumbar spine. Increased awareness of this fracture pattern is warranted by all surgeons because of unique clinical challenges associated with its treatment. Although the incidence is increased in the military population, other surgeons may be involved with long-term care of these patients on completion of their military service.     

椎体成形术对胸腰椎爆裂型骨折的治疗意义

目的：探讨腰腰椎爆裂型骨折撑开复位与椎体成形术后椎体结构和生物力学性能的变化。方法：收集6具新鲜成人尸体的胸腰椎标本，制成T11－L1、L2－L4、T12－L2节段标本共10具，用自由落体撞击试验造成中间椎体爆裂型骨折，撑开复位、用注射型自固定磷酸钙人工骨行椎体成形术。分别于骨折前、骨折撑开复位后、椎体成形术后用薄层CT扫描测量中间椎体内空隙，用双能X线骨密度仪测定骨密度，用万能材料试验机测定骨折前、椎体成形术后中间椎体与其上方椎间盘在前屈、后伸、侧屈和扭转就压力 下刚度的变化，并比较成形术后的伤椎及其下方的完整椎体的抗极限压缩测试结果。结果：8具标本造中间椎体爆裂型骨折模型成功。（1）骨折前椎体内无明显空隙；骨折并撑开复位后椎体内空隙体积平均为5．25cm^3，占椎体总体积的13．9％；椎体成形术后空隙减少，与骨折前相比差异无显著性意义。（2）骨折前椎体骨密度在正常范围，骨折并撑开复位后骨密度较骨折前降低；椎体成形术后，骨密度较骨折复位后及骨折前均明显升高。（3）椎体成形术后，伤椎的刚度与骨折前相比差异无显著性意义，抗极限压缩强度的均值低于其下方完整椎体，但差异无显著性意义；伤椎上方椎间盘在前屈和后伸应力下的刚度小于骨折前，但在侧屈应力下差异无显著性意义；标本在扭转应力下的刚度小于骨折前。结论：（1）撑开复位未能恢复胸腰椎爆裂型骨折椎体结构上的完整性，这可能是后路切开复位内固定术后发生内固定失败与矫正度丢失的重要原因。（2）应用注射型自固化磷酸钙人工骨行椎体成形术有助于伤椎的重建，术后脊柱的生物力学特性接近骨折前水平。     

下腰椎骨折

目的 探讨下腰椎骨折的损伤特点及治疗。方法 对一组45例下腰椎骨折病例作回顾性分析,其中压缩性骨折24例,爆裂性骨折14例,屈曲分离性骨折3例,骨折脱位4例。完全性瘫痪3例,不完全性瘫痪9例,无神经损害33例。非手术治疗26例,手术治疗19例。结果 随访1～15年。神经功能改善程度优33例,良4例,可1例,无变化7例,非手术病例与手术病例神经功能改善程度无显著差异(P>0.05),但手术病例腰背疼痛程度明显低于非手术病例(P<0.05)。结论 由于解剖学和生物力学的特殊性,下腰椎骨折具有其相应的损伤特点。多数下腰椎压缩性骨折为稳定性骨折,可行非手术治疗。而对于爆裂性骨折及屈曲分离性骨折椎管狭窄及后凸畸形明显者以及骨折脱位则应行手术治疗。     

一期经后路三柱重建技术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 探讨严重胸腰椎爆裂骨折应用经后路进行脊柱三柱重建技术的临床效果.方法 对24例胸腰椎爆裂骨折采用经后路椎体次全切除、钛网置入及椎弓根钉重建术治疗.采用Frankel评定标准评定术后神经功能恢复情况.通过影像学变化评价后凸畸形矫正情况和椎管减压程度.结果 本组获随访13～46个月,平均24个月.椎体高度术后恢复至正常高度的97.8％.椎体后凸畸形角度矫正至术后3.5°.椎管容积矫正至术后椎管压迫完全解除.所有患者神经症状均有不同程度恢复.结论 经后路进行脊柱三柱重建技术,能有效矫正胸腰椎爆裂骨折的后凸畸形、解除椎管内压迫,达到术后即刻稳定,具有骨折复位满意,手术创伤较小及并发症少等特点.     

Thoracic spine fractures

Fractures of the thoracic spine (T2-T12) should be considered as a separate entity because of the anatomic features of the rib cage and spinal canal in this region. Fifty-seven patients sustained this injury over a 10-year period (16% of thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar fractures). Twenty-eight fracture dislocations, 25 compression fractures, and 1 burst fracture were seen. Three injuries, combining elements of a burst fracture and a dislocation, were designated "burst-dislocations." Apart from compression fractures, a direct blow was often the implicated mechanism of injury. Significant associated injuries were uncommon. Fracture-dislocations were often associated with neurologic injury and compression fractures with long-term pain. Operative treatment appeared to afford the best results for stabilization and pain relief.     

Modified transpedicular approach for the surgical treatment of severe thoracolumbar or lumbar burst fractures.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Conventional transpedicular decompression of the neural canal requires a considerable amount of lamina, facet joint and pedicle resection. The authors assumed that it would be possible to remove the retropulsed bone fragment by carving the pedicle with a high-speed drill without destroying the vertebral elements contributing to spinal stabilization. In this way, surgical treatment of unstable burst fractures can be performed less invasively. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate both the possibility of neural canal decompression through a transpedicular approach without removing the posterior vertebral elements, which contribute to spinal stabilization, and the adequacy of posterior stabilization of severe vertebral deformities after burst fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with complete or incomplete neurological deficits as a result of the thoracolumbar burst fractures were included in this study. All patients had severe spinal canal compromise (mean, 59.53%+/-14.92) and loss of vertebral body height (mean, 45.14%+/-7.19). Each patient was investigated for neural canal compromise, degree of kyphosis at fracture level and fusion after operation by computed tomography and direct roentgenograms taken preoperatively, early postoperatively and late postoperatively. The neurological condition of the patients was recorded in the early and late postoperative period according to Benzel-Larson grading systems. The outcome of the study was evaluated with regard to the adequate neural canal decompression, fusion and reoperation percents and neurological improvement. METHODS: Modified transpedicular approach includes drilling the pedicle for removal of retropulsed bone fragment under surgical microscope without damaging the anatomic continuity of posterior column. Stabilization with pedicle screw fixation and posterior fusion with otogenous bone chips were done after this decompression procedure at all 28 patients included in this study. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 28 patients showed neurological improvement. The percent of ambulatory patients was 71.4% 6 months after the operation. The major complications included pseudarthrosis in five patients (17.8%), epidural hematoma in one (3.5%) and inadequate decompression in one (3.5%). These patients were reoperated on by means of an anterior approach. Of the five pseudarthrosis cases, two were the result of infection. CONCLUSION: Although anterior vertebrectomy and fusion is generally recommended for burst fractures causing canal compromise, in these patients adequate neural canal decompression can also be achieved by a modified transpedicular approach less invasively.