CT and X-ray evaluation of the AF-fixation system in the treatment of burst fracture of the thoraco-lumbar spine

Objective X ray and CT scan were used for morphometric analysis to evaluate the clinical significance of AF fixation technique in the treatment of the burst fracture of the thoraco lumbar spine.Methods 32 patients with unstable burst fracture of the thoraco lumbar spine were treated with the AF fixation operation without posterior column decompression.The middle spinal column and the diameter of vertebral foramen were measured on the primary and post operative X ray and CT scan.The data were analysed and the rates of improvement evaluated.Results The injured spinal middle column improved from 66 1% to 95 5%.The rates of improvement reached an average of 29 4%.The injured foramen vertebrae diameter improved from 58 5% to 88 5% with the rates of improvement of 30 0%.Foramen vertebrae diameter improved as much as the happened in the middle column;the followed up lasted from 2 months to 5 years.8 cases with nerve functional problem had completely recovery.Conclusion According to the X ray and CT evaluation,it was recognized that foramen vertebrae diameter improvements increased as much as that in the middle column;the results provided the theoretical bases for the idea that anterior or posterior decompression should not be considered for the teatment of thoraco lumbar burst fracture.AF fixation system is the first choice for the treatment of burst fracture of the thoraco lumbar spine without the complication of complete paralysis.