Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Spinal trauma may result in spinal cord injury (TSCI), an injury to the spinal column resulting in severe compromise to neurologic structures, resulting in possible paralysis, sensory loss, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and mortality. Short-segment pedicle screw fixation (SSPF) is one of the most standard surgical approaches in treatment of TBFs. Long posterior fixation with pedicle screws and rods two-levels above and below the fracture level provide better fixation; however, it results in potentially extraneous instrumentation and increased load on the lower discs. Hence; under the light of above mentioned data, the present study was undertaken for assessing and comparing the efficacy of short segment, compared to long segment instrumentation in thoracolumbar vertebral fractures. Materials & methods: A total of 20 patients were enrolled which who were scheduled to undergo spinal instrumentation in pathological and traumatic vertebral fractures. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 each as follow: Short segment treatment group and Long segment treatment group. Follow-up was done and assessment was based on following variables: Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index. All the results were recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Mean ODI index was significantly lower among patients of the short segment group at 12th month postoperative follow-up in comparison to long segment group. Mean VAS was significantly lower among patients of the short segment group at 12th month postoperative follow-up in comparison to long segment group. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing complications among patients of the two study group. Conclusion: The patients in this study showed better results for short segment instrumentation.