AF内固定联合经椎弓根注射硫酸钙增强治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折

目的:分析AF系统复位内固定联合经椎弓根注射硫酸钙增强治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的临床效果。方法:将2007年12月～2010年12月收治的72例胸腰椎爆裂性骨折患者分为2组:A组(行AF内固定并辅助经椎弓根注射硫酸钙增强)36例,B组(仅行AF内固定)36例,平均随访13个月,术前、术后及末次随访时在X线片上测量两组患者伤椎相对高度、Cobb角及伤椎后凸角,并进行比较分析。结果:伤椎相对高度术前A组为46.7%,B组为48.4%;术后分别为5.7%和5.9%;末次随访时分别为9.4%和19.6%。Cobb角术前A组为20.7°,B组为20.6°;术后分别为2.8°和3.1°;末次随访时分别为6.4°和12.7°。伤椎后凸角术前A组为20.7°,B组为20.5°;术后分别为6.4°和6.8°;末次随访时分别为7.8°和13.8°。手术前后两组间Cobb角、伤椎后凸角及伤椎相对高度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),而末次随访时两组间Cobb角、伤椎后凸角及伤椎相对高度差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。末次随访时A组中液体硫酸钙均吸收成骨,仅1例螺钉松动;B组5例断钉,1例螺钉松动退出。结论:AF系统复位内固定联合经椎弓根注射硫酸钙增强治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折,固定可靠,能减少伤椎高度丢失,减少后凸畸形等并发症的发生。     

经伤椎椎弓根植骨置钉后路复位内固定术治疗胸腰椎骨折

目的:探讨在后路复位内固定术治疗胸腰椎骨折中,经椎弓根伤椎植骨置钉手术的有效性和安全性。方法:选取2007年6月～2009年9月间的胸腰椎单节段骨折患者共75例,30例行经椎弓根伤椎植骨置钉(A组),45例行常规跨伤椎(B组)的后路复位内固定治疗;测量手术前后数字射线摄影(DR)侧位片上的伤椎相邻椎Cobb角、伤椎椎体前缘高度(前高),计算伤椎前高压缩比;测量手术前后CT片上伤椎椎管中矢径和计算椎管侵占率;统计手术时间和术中出血量,观察手术并发症,用Denis疼痛分级评估术后腰痛。结果:伤椎前高压缩比A组术前为59.8%,术后为92.9%;B组术前为57.3%,术后为87.1%。相邻椎Cobb角A组术前为20.2°,术后为8.5°,末次随访时为10.3°;B组术前为22.7°,术后为12.3°,末次随访时为16.7°;椎管侵占率A组术前为37.1%,术后为21.9%;B组术前为34.8%,术后为18.3%;A组平均出血量256ml,手术时间107min,疼痛评估P1 25例,P2 5例,1例脑脊液漏;B组平均出血量236ml,手术时间87min,疼痛评估P1 35例,P2 8例,P3 2例,有1例断钉和2例内固定松动;两组手术时间差异有显著性(P<0.05);术后与末次随访时的椎体压缩比和Cobb角两组间比较差异有显著性(P<0.05),而组内比较A组差异无显著性(P>0.05),B组差异有显著性(P<0.05);在椎管侵占率、手术出血量和并发症以及疼痛评估上,两组比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:在后路复位内固定术治疗胸腰椎骨折中,经伤椎椎弓根植骨置钉能更好地矫正后凸畸形、重建椎体高度、维持矫正效果和减少内固定的松动断裂等并发症,手术有效且安全。     

经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗胸腰椎骨折临床体会

目的探讨同时经伤椎置钉椎弓根螺钉系统固定治疗胸腰椎骨折的可行性和有效性。方法自2008年7月至2011年1月．采用椎弓根螺钉系统同时经伤椎置钉固定治疗胸腰椎骨折24例,均为单椎体骨折,采用5钉或6钉三椎体固定。患者术前、术后即刻和术后12个月随访均行X线及CT检查,测量比较Cobb角、伤椎前缘压缩率、椎管占位率及神经功能Frankel分级。结果随访12～27个月,平均15．5个月。椎体前缘高度、Cobb角、椎管占位以及Frankel分级均较术前有显著改善。结论同时经伤椎置钌椎弓根螺钉系统固定治疗胸腰椎骨折是一种可行而有效的方法。     

经伤椎椎弓根植骨螺钉固定治疗胸腰段骨折

目的探讨经伤椎椎弓根螺钉治疗胸腰段骨折的临床疗效及应用价值。方法收集2009-01—2013-01间胸腰段骨折手术患者58例,A组为跨伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定共计30例,B组为经伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定共计28例,分别测量术前术后伤椎相邻椎体矢状位Cobb角、计算椎体压缩比,并对术前术后症状改善情况进行评分。结果 A组矢状位Cobb角术前平均25.4°,术后平均减少至11.3°,椎体压缩比术前平均57.8%,术后平均增加到89.1%。B组矢状位Cobb角术前平均25.7°,术后平均减少至10.1°,椎体压缩比术前平均58.2%,术后平均增加到92.3%。两组间对比可见B组术后伤椎相邻椎体后凸矫正程度及椎体压缩复位程度均好于A组。结论经伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定治疗脊柱胸腰段骨折对矫正脊柱后凸畸形及恢复椎体高度相比跨伤椎椎弓根螺钉内固定更为有效,但应根据不同病例进行选择性应用。     

伤椎椎弓根钉固定加植骨治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的 评价经伤椎椎弓根钉固定结合经椎弓根植骨治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的临床疗效.方法 对30例胸腰椎爆裂骨折患者实施经伤椎椎弓根钉固定结合经椎弓根植骨术治疗,其中男性22例,女性8例,年龄18～62岁.30例均为单一椎体损伤.术前伤椎前缘高度平均40%,脊柱后凸角(Cobb角)25°,椎管正中矢状径55%,神经功能按ASIA评定标准:A级3例,B级6例,C级8例,D级7例,E级6例.结果 术后随访6～30个月,术后伤椎前缘平均高度恢复到95%,脊柱后凸角(Cobb角)为50°椎管正中矢状径恢复到90%,手术前后差异显著(P＜0.05).术后神经功能恢复情况:A级2例,B级1例,C级2例,D级7例,E级18例.术后骨折均获得复位,无一例发生内固定断裂、松动,矫正丢失等并发症.结论 伤椎椎弓根钉固定加经椎弓根植骨术能让骨折获得满意复位,重建椎体高度,增强脊柱的抗压稳定性,提供脊柱的长期稳定,减少内固定并发症,是一种治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的有效方法 .     

人工骨椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折

目的:探讨经椎弓根人工骨植入椎体成形术治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的方法和效果。方法:胸腰椎爆裂骨折12例,男8例,女4例;年龄28～61岁,平均47.5岁;受伤时间4～12d;术前Frankel分级:C级1例,D级3例,E级8例;受伤椎体:T112例,T122例,L15例,L23例;术前后突角11°～35°,平均24°;术前椎管占位率39%～85%,平均64.5%;术前伤椎椎体前缘高度平均为正常的47%。行后路切开复位短节段椎弓根钉内固定后,人工骨经伤椎椎弓根植入椎体成形术。结果:所有患者均获随访,时间3～19个月,平均13个月。脊柱后突角平均恢复20°,椎体高度平均恢复96%,椎管占位率平均恢复至7%。2例人工骨椎体内充填不足;无内固定松动、断裂、椎体高度变低及生理弧度丢失。神经功能恢复:1例术前Frankel分级C级及2例D级患者术后均恢复至E级。结论:经椎弓根人工骨植入椎体成形术重建了椎体高度,增加了脊椎前柱的抗压稳定性,使患者能早期活动,减少内固定物因应力过大造成的断钉、松动、椎体再压缩等并发症。     

后路经伤椎椎弓根钉短节段固定治疗胸腰段椎体骨折

目的探讨后路经伤椎椎弓根钉短节段固定治疗胸腰段椎体骨折的临床疗效。方法将自2007-01—2010—12收治的66例胸腰段椎体骨折随机分为后路短节段椎弓根内固定组（A组）和短节段经伤椎内固定组（B组）,采用疼痛模拟视觉评分（VAS）、伤椎前缘高度比值及伤椎Cobb角比较组问差异。结果所有患者获随访12．18个月。平均14．8个月。2组手术前后VAS评分、伤椎前缘高度改善和Cobb角恢复比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．001）;B组VAS评分、伤椎前缘高度改善和Cobb角恢复明显优于A组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论后路经伤椎椎弓根钉短节段固定时是治疗胸腰段椎体骨折疗效可靠的内固定方法。     

经伤椎固定联合椎弓根植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折

目的探讨经伤椎置入螺钉结合经椎弓根植骨治疗胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效。方法对42例胸腰椎骨折实施经伤椎椎弓根钉固定结合经椎弓根植骨术治疗,术前伤椎前缘高度比平均36%,脊柱后凸角（Cobb角）25°,椎管正中矢状径60%,神经功能按Frankel分级：A级2例,B级9例,C级11例,D级10例,E级10例。结果术后随访6-30个月,42例患者术后疼痛明显缓解,术后伤椎前缘平均高度比恢复到95%,脊柱后凸角（Cobb角）为3.5°,椎管正中矢状径恢复到96%,手术前后差异显著（P〈0.05）。术后神经功能恢复情况：A级1例,B级4例,C级4例,D级5例,E级28例。术后骨折均获得复位,无一例发生内固定断裂、松动,矫正丢失等并发症。结论经伤椎椎弓根钉固定结合经椎弓根植骨术能让骨折获得满意复位,重建椎体高度,增强脊柱的抗压稳定性,减少内固定断裂和椎体高度丢失等并发症,是一种治疗胸腰椎骨折的有效方法。     

腰椎牵引续贯骨水泥强化治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折合并终板-椎间盘复合体损伤

目的 评估腰椎牵引续贯伤椎经皮椎体后凸成形术联合损伤椎间盘及邻近椎体骨水泥强化治疗重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折合并终板-椎间盘复合体损伤的可行性、有效性及安全性。方法 回顾性分析自2019-01—2020-12诊治的12例重度骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折合并终板-椎间盘复合体损伤,首先对患者进行过伸位腰椎牵引,待伤椎椎体高度部分恢复后,将骨折椎体、损伤的终板-椎间盘复合体、邻近椎体组成的脊柱运动单元作为整体进行骨水泥强化。结果12例均获得随访,随访时间平均24.3(14～35)个月,均未出现血管神经损伤、脊柱感染、肺栓塞等并发症。腰椎牵引后患者局部后凸Cobb角较入院时减小,局部后凸Cobb角为18.9°～30.5°,平均26.2°;末次随访时局部后凸Cobb角为15.6°～23.8°,平均19.0°。腰椎牵引后患者伤椎前缘高度增加,椎体前缘高度为18.7～31.4 mm,平均26.8 mm;末次随访时椎体前缘高度为18.4～38.6 mm,平均29.9 mm。腰椎牵引后患者椎间角为2.3°～7.4°,平均5.2°;末次随访时椎间角为2.4°～7.3°,平均5.5°。末次随访时疼痛VAS评分为...     

伤椎内植骨结合椎弓根钉内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折

目的探讨伤椎内植骨结合椎弓根钉内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折患者的临床疗效。方法2007年1月～2008年10月,采用伤椎椎体内自体植骨、椎管减压(或不减压)及相邻节段椎弓根钉内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折26例。根据AO分型,A2型18例,A3型8例;按ASIA脊髓神经功能分级标准:A级2例,B级2例,C级5例,D级7例,E级10例。观察手术前后及随访期间患者椎管狭窄率、伤椎前缘高度、后凸Cobb角以及ASIA评分的变化。结果所有患者均获随访,随访时间12～19个月,平均13个月。术后椎管狭窄率、伤椎前缘高度、后凸Cobb角均有明显改善,随访期间伤椎高度和矫正角度均无明显丢失。全组无术后脊髓神经功能障碍加重,术后及随访期间患者ASIA评分有不同程度的提高。术中及术后随访期间无断钉、断棒和内固定松动迹象。结论伤椎内植骨结合椎弓根钉内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折可有效地恢复伤椎椎体高度,重建前中柱的稳定性,防止术后由于椎体高度丢失所导致的并发症。     

后路短节段内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂骨折的疗效分析

[目的]探讨应用后路短节段椎弓根内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂骨折的适应证。[方法]对2006年10月～2009年12月的48例资料完整的胸腰椎爆裂骨折手术治疗效果进行回顾性研究。按照Magerl分型将病例分为3组,A31型(n=13)、A32型(n=19)和A33型(n=16)。所有患者均行后路切开复位椎弓根系统内固定植骨融合术。于术前、术后及1年后随访时测量患者的椎体前高率、矢状位指数及Cobb角。以视觉疼痛评分(VAS)评价患者腰背痛程度。[结果]所有患者的腰背痛程度随时间延长逐渐减轻,合并脊髓损伤的患者脊髓功能评分均有1级的恢复。术后所有患者的椎体前高率、矢状位指数及Cobb角均有明显改善,与术前相比有统计学上的差异,随访时A31型和A32型骨折影像学参数与术后比较变化不明显,但A33型骨折的患者出现了腰背部后凸畸形明显加重。[结论]应用后路短节段固定治疗对于A31型和A32型胸腰段骨折治疗效果良好,但治疗A33型骨折效果不理想。     

复位前与复位后伤椎置钉固定胸腰椎骨折比较

[目的]比较复位棒辅助复位后伤椎置钉与常规复位前伤椎置钉短节段固定治疗Magerl A3型胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效.[方法] 2018年12月-2020年6月收住本院的59例Magerl A3型胸腰椎骨折患者随机分为两组.所有患者均接受短节段椎弓根钉固定,其中,32例采用自制复位棒复位后,再行伤椎置钉(复位置钉组);27例...     

Inclusion of the fracture level in short segment fixation of thoracolumbar fractures

Short segment posterior fixation is the preferred method for stabilizing thoracolumbar fractures. In case of significant disruption of the anterior column, the simple short segment construct does not ensure adequate stability. In this study, we tried to evaluate the effect of inclusion of the fractured vertebra in short segment fixation of thoracolumbar fractures. In a prospective randomized study, eighty patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated just with posterior pedicular fixation were randomized into two groups receiving either the one level above and one level below excluding the fracture level (bridging group), or including the fracture level (including group). Different clinical and radiological parameters were recorded and followed. A sum of 80 patients (42 patients in group 1 and 38 patients in group 2) were enrolled in the study. The patients in both the groups showed similar clinical outcome. There was a high rate of instrumentation failure in the “bridging” group. The “bridging” group showed a mean worsening (29%) in kyphosis, whereas the “including” group improved significantly by a mean of 6%. The significant effect of the “including” technique on the reduction of kyphotic deformity was most prominent in type C fractures. In conclusion, inclusion of the fracture level into the construct offers a better kyphosis correction, in addition to fewer instrument failures, without additional complications, and with a comparable-if not better-clinical and functional outcome. We recommend insertion of screws into pedicles of the fractured thoracolumbar vertebra when considering a short segment posterior fixation, especially in Magerl type C fractures.     

Treatment of unstable thoracolumbar junction burst fractures with short- or long-segment posterior fixation in magerl type a fractures

The treatment of thoracolumbar fractures remains controversial. A review of the literature showed that short-segment posterior fixation (SSPF) alone led to a high incidence of implant failure and correction loss. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes of the SS- and long-segment posterior fixation (LSPF) in unstable thoracolumbar junction burst fractures (T12-L2) in Magerl Type A fractures. The patients were divided into two groups according to the number of instrumented levels. Group I included 32 patients treated by SSPF (four screws: one level above and below the fracture), and Group II included 31 patients treated by LSPF (eight screws: two levels above and below the fracture). Clinical outcomes and radiological parameters (sagittal index, SI; and canal compromise, CC) were compared according to demographic features, localizations, load-sharing classification (LSC) and Magerl subgroups, statistically. The fractures with more than 10 degrees correction loss at sagittal plane were analyzed in each group. The groups were similar with regard to age, gender, LSC, SI, and CC preoperatively. The mean follow-ups were similar for both groups, 36 and 33 months, respectively. In Group II, the correction values of SI, and CC were more significant than in Group I. More than 10 degrees correction loss occurred in six of the 32 fractures in Group I and in two of the 31 patients in Group II. SSPF was found inadequate in patients with high load sharing scores. Although radiological outcomes (SI and CC remodeling) were better in Group II for all fracture types and localizations, the clinical outcomes (according to Denis functional scores) were similar except Magerl type A33 fractures. We recommend that, especially in patients, who need more mobility, with LSC point 7 or less with Magerl Type A31 and A32 fractures (LSC point 6 or less in Magerl Type A3.3) without neurological deficit, SSPF achieves adequate fixation, without implant failure and correction loss. In Magerl Type A33 fractures with LSC point 7 or more (LSC points 8-9 in Magerl Type A31 and A32) without severe neurologic deficit, LSPF is more beneficial.     

The results of the surgical and conservative treatment of non-neurologic comminuted thoracolumbar fractures

A retrospective radiologic study of 40 non-neurologic thoracolumbar fractures allowed for the evaluation of the long-term results of surgical and conservative treatment in terms of correction of the post-traumatic deformity. The Magerl classification and the McCormack scale were used to select compressive type fractures (type A), and fractures characterized by comminution of the vertebral body without involvement of the posterior elements. Instability related to comminution and to considerable diastasis of the fragments is at the basis of failure of conservative (plaster brace) and surgical (short posterior fixation and posterolateral fusion) treatments. Severe type A fractures treated conservatively have, in fact, at follow-up shown significant residual deformity, while failure of the instrumentation or loss of correction in 40% of cases treated surgically has been revealed.     

Magerl B 型胸腰椎骨折手术治疗的比较研究

目的 通过对比后路间接减压内固定术(POIT)、后路椎板切除减压内固定术(POLT)与前路减压内固定术(ADIT)治疗Magerl B型胸腰椎骨折的临床 结果 ,探讨Magerl B型胸腰椎骨折的治疗要点.方法 2005年11月至2008年1月回顾性分析69例Magerl B型胸腰椎骨折患者资料,其中POIT组23例,POLT组25例,ADIT组21例.3组患者的年龄、性别比、术前伤椎前缘高度比值、伤椎后缘高度比值、Cobb角等比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).比较3组患者手术时间、术中术后出血量、术中术后并发症、术后后凸畸形矫正、椎管占位复位及神经损伤恢复程度. 结果 69例患者术后获20～25个月(平均22个月)随访.POIT组、POLT组、ADIT组手术时间分别为(90±15)、(123±30)、(153±30)min;术中出血量分别为(212±25)、(407±47)、(532±147)mL;术后出血引流量分别为(154±11)、(218±27)、(271±53)mL.术后1年POIT组伤椎前、后缘缘高度比值分别为85.2%±4.0%和96.4%±4.0%,均优于POLT组,差异有统计学意义;且POIT组和POLT组术后1年伤椎前、后缘高度值及Cobb与术前比较均有明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后Cobb角恢复优于POLT组和ADIT组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).术后1年神经损伤恢复、纠正丢失程度,3组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05). 结论 Magerl B型胸腰椎骨折在后纵韧带复合体完整情况下是POIT的适应证;POIT对该型骨折复位效果优于POLT及ADIT,且创伤小、并发症发生率低,但其远期效果需要进一步临床研究.     

More than 5-Year Follow-up Results of Two-Level and Three-Level Posterior Fixations of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures with Load-Sharing Scores of Seven and Eight Points

Background

The development of pedicle screw-based posterior spinal instrumentation is recognized as one of the major surgical treatment methods for thoracolumbar burst fractures. However, the appropriate level in posterior segment instrumentation is still a point of debate. To assesses the long-term results of two-level and three-level posterior fixations of thoracolumbar burst fractures that have load-sharing scores of 7 and 8 points.

Methods

From January 1998 to May 2009, we retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiologic outcomes of 45 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures of 7 and 8 points in load-sharing classification who were operated on using two-level posterior fixation (one segment above and one segment below: 28 patients, group I) or three-level posterior fixation (two segments above and one segment below: 17 patients, group II). Clinical results included the grade of the fracture using the Frankel classification, and the visual analog score was used to evaluate pain before surgery, immediately after surgery, and during follow-up period. We also evaluated pain and work status at the final follow-up using the Denis pain scale.

Results

In all cases, non-union or loosening of implants was not observed. There were two screw breakages in two-level posterior fixation group, but bony union was obtained at the final follow-up. There were no significant differences in loss of anterior vertebral body height, correction loss, or change in adjacent discs. Also, in clinical evaluation, there was no significant difference in the neurological deficit of any patient during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

In our study, two-level posterior fixation could be used successfully in selected cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures of 7 and 8 points in the load-sharing classification.     

Non-operative vs. percutaneous stabilization in Magerl’s A1 or A2 thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults: is it really advantageous for a good alignment of the spine? Preliminary data from a prospective study

Purpose

Percutaneous and non-operative stabilization are very controversial choices in the management of Magerl’s A1 or A2 thoracolumbar spine fractures in adults. Our purpose is to figure out which of the two treatments is more suitable for the management and outcomes of these injuries.

Methods

From 12/01/2011 to 06/30/2014 at the AO Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gaetano Rummo in Benevento, Italy, we treated 39 adult patients with thoracolumbar spinal fractures according to Magerl’s A1 and A2. Twenty-four patients were treated with a 3-point orthopedic corset, and 15 patients were treated with percutaneous posterior stabilization without augmentation. The patients decided on treatment after extensive explanation of the pros and cons of the two treatments. The endpoint evaluation was set at the 6-month follow-up through the evaluation of the Visual Analogue Scale, Angle’s Regional Kyphosis, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and Denis work scale.

Results

The preliminary results of this prospective study show that there is a considerable advantage in functionality and pain in treating adults suffering from thoracolumbar fractures with Percutaneous technique at the expense of the bust with three points.

Conclusions

Although the data are preliminary and based on data available in the literature, we can say that the Percutaneous posterior stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures in Magerl’s A1 and A2 in adults is the ideal method for a good and functional alignment of the spine.

     

RF内固定器治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折中、远期疗效分析

目的 探讨经后路短节段RF内固定治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的中、远期疗效.方法 对经后路切开复位砌RF-I型内固定器手术治疗胸腰椎单节段爆裂性骨折142例资料进行分析.结果 术前存在脊髓不完全损伤27例,术后25例完全恢复.腰痛Denis评分:PI 106例,P2 36例.功能活动按Christian评分:3分2例,4分6例,5分34例,6分63例,7分37例.满意度患者自我测评,非常满意102例,满意40例.X线检查伤后、术后、随访时情况:椎体前高分别为51.8%、97.2%、95.6%;椎体后高92.0%、99.2%、99.5%;Cobb角19.6°、4.5°、6.9°.CT检查见:椎管前后径测量伤后、术后、取钉后平均丢失44.9%、16.9%、10.2%.内固定钉、杆断裂发生7例,9枚断钉.结论 后路切开复位RF-I型内固定器固定是治疗胸腰椎爆裂性骨折的有效方法.选用双直径角度螺纹钉,加强小关节突间植骨,及时取钉是防止断钉及矫正度丢失的重要措施.     

Indirect spinal canal decompression in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated by posterior distraction rods.

The ability of posterior distraction instrumentation to produce indirect reduction of retropulsed bone fragments was studied in 44 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. Using the Denis Classification, two predominate fracture types were identified: 13 patients had type A and 29 had type B fractures. Two others had Denis type D fractures. Spinal canal stenosis was reduced from a preoperative mean of 65% to 32.8% postoperatively. Denis type A fractures had significantly better reduction of 62.5% pre- to 19.2% postoperatively. Denis type B fractures reduced from 66.3% pre- to 38.9% postoperatively. The initial kyphotic deformity and the loss of vertebral height did not influence results of indirect decompression. Neurologic function at follow-up correlated with preoperative canal stenosis, but did not correlate with residual stenosis after instrumentation. This study demonstrated that posterior distraction instrumentation can achieve approximately 50% reduction in canal stenosis and that results will be influenced by fracture morphology.