Imaging observation of transpedicular intracorporeal grafting in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

LIU Jian-quan; YU Yuan-yang; KONG Xiang-lu; HUAGN Bao-liang; WANG Chuan-yu; CUI Cheng-liang; GAO Pan

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-252X.2014.01.009

Abstract：Objective To observe the prognosis of intracorporeal grafting and its effects in preventing the loss of correction after the reduction of thoracolumbar fractures in 38 cases.Methods The ratios of anterior height and posterior height of the injured vertebral body were measured based on the lateral X-ray iflms preoperatively, immediate after the surgery and at the 12th month after the operation. The effects of intracorporeal grafting were analyzed in promoting the recovery of the morphology of the injured vertebral body and preventing the loss of correction. Based on the spiral computed tomography ( CT ) results preoperatively, postoperatively and in the follow-up, the relative areas of the grafted bone blocks and the bone defects were measured and compared at different times with the Magnetic Lasso tool in the software of Photoshop CS 8.0, and the prognoses of the grafted bone blocks and the bone defects were observed.Results At the 12th month after the operation, the ratios of anterior height and posterior height of the injured vertebral body were decreased by 0.28% (P=0.071 ) and 0.17% (P=0.086 ) respectively, and no statistical differences were found. The relative area of the grafted bone blocks was reduced gradually from 34.12% to 13.56%, without new cavities. The relative area of the bone defects was reduced gradually from 18.53% to 9.29%.Conclusions Transpedicular intracorporeal grafting can effectively eliminate the space and restore the structural integrity and initial stability of the injured vertebral body. The bone healing which is grafted in the vertebral body can maintain the structural integrity and mechanical stability of the injured vertebral body. The bone cavities cannot completely heal naturally .