A Comparative Study among the Functional Outcomes of Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures Treated by Posterior Stabilization with Short- versus Long-segment Transpedicular Screw Fixation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background and Objectives: The optimal surgical approach for managing unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures remains heavily debated. This prospective study compares the clinical and radiological outcomes of unstable thoracolumbar fractures treated with short-segment versus long-segment transpedicular screw fixation. Materials and Methods: A prospective study evaluated 30 adult patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. Patients were randomized into Group A (short-segment, N = 15) and Group B (long-segment, N = 15). Outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, Modified McNab Criteria, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Radiological assessments utilized the Cobb Angle and the Beck Index. Results: Mean surgical duration (116.73 ± 19.30 min vs. 181.60 ± 16.37 min; P < 0.05) and blood loss (560.53 ± 28.57 ml vs. 1142.67 ± 77.83 ml; P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the short-segment group. At 1 year, functional and radiological improvements were significant and comparable between groups. Excellent Modified McNab grading was achieved in 80% of short-segment and 73.3% of long-segment patients. The long-segment group saw more superficial infections, while the short-segment group had two cases of implant failure linked to poor bone quality. Conclusion: Both techniques provide satisfactory, comparable functional and radiological outcomes at 1 year. Short-segment fixation preserves spinal mobility and reduces surgical morbidity, though long-segment fixation remains preferable for patients with severe anterior column disruption or osteoporosis.
Institution: Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204926262