Anterior versus posterior approach in the treatment of chronic thoracolumbar fractures

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of anterior approach vs posterior approach in the treatment of chronic thoracolumbar fractures. A total of 36 patients with chronic thoracolumbar fractures were divided into 2 groups. Group A was treated by an anterior approach and group B was treated by a posterior approach. During the minimum 24-month follow-up period (range, 24-62 months), all patients were prospectively evaluated for clinical and radiologic outcomes. Intraoperative blood loss, operative time, operative complications, pulmonary function, Frankel scale, and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score were used for clinical evaluation, and Cobb angle was examined for radiologic outcome. All patients in this study achieved solid fusion, with significant neurologic improvement. Operative time, perioperative blood loss, ASIA score on admission and at final follow-up, and complications of respiratory tract infection and intercostal nerve pain were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P>.05), but complications of hemopneumothorax, abdominal distension, and constipation were fewer in group B (P<.05). Postoperative pulmonary function (P<.05) and correction of posttraumatic kyphosis were better in group B (P<.05).