RTSversusSEXTANT percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for unstable thoracolumbar fractures under minimally invasive technology：recovery of the height of the vertebral body

Zhao Gang; Zhou Ying-jie; Wang Xu-ke

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.22.009

Abstract：BACKGROUND:In recent years, with the development of minimaly invasive techniques, the application of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation techniques gradualy become widespread, but in the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fractures, due to lack of reduction apparatus or power defect, the reduction of the injured vertebra is poor. In order to improve this deficiency, we design a percutaneous pedicle screwsystem in order to achieve the desired effect of reduction. <br> OBJECTIVE:To investigate the two different effects for treating unstable thoracolumbar fractures by fixing RTS (rotation softened trauma fixation system) or SEXTANT screws under minimaly invasive technology. <br> METHODS:From October 2011 to June 2013, 50 patients who suffered from single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without any nerve-injured symptoms were treated by using percutaneous pedicle screws. Among them, 25 cases used Sextant screws; the others used RTS screws. Data were compared between the two groups, including the height of injured vertebrae, Cobb’s angle, visual analogue scale scores and Oswestry disability index 1 week, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and during final folow-up. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Al patients were folowed upfor8-18 months. (2) The height of injured vertebrae and Cobb’s angle were restored in both groups, showing significant differences (P<0.01). The restoration of the height of injured vertebrae and Cobb’s angle was better in the RTS group than in the SEXTANT group after treatment (P< 0.05-0.01). (3) The visual analogue scale scores and Oswestry disability index were significantly better in the RTS group than in the SEXTANT group 6 months postoperatively and during final folow-up (P< 0.05). (4) These results suggest that both RTS and SEXTANT systems can effectively repair single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without any nerve-injured symptoms. However, it is clear that the recovery of the height ofthe vertebral body is more satisfied and the postoperative pain and dysfunctionweremore minor in the RTS group.