Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Background: Recently, the surgical management of thoracolumbar fractures frequently involves short posterior pedicle screw fixation. However, the superiority of any system over the other is still not covered. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcome of the short-segment fixation with the use of USS versus CDH for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar fractures. Methods: From march 2015 to January 2016, 40 patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures were divided into two groups according to the use of different systems. Group 1 included 20 patients treated by USS. Group 2 included 20 patients treated by CDH. Segmental kyphosis angle (SKA) and anterior body height (ABH) of fractured vertebra, and Asia Scale Impairment Scale were evaluated. Results: Post-operative radiological assessment showed that the mean immediate kyphotic angle correction was 16.6 degrees for Schanz system and 6.4 for Legacy system and the immediate mean anterior vertebral body height correction was 0.92 cm for Schanz system and 0.51 cm for Legacy system. Our study shows significant statistical correlation between schanz and legacy system regarding post-operative segmental kyphosis and height correction(immediate, six month and at one year FU) with p value less than 0.005 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Using USS in thoracolumbar fracture as a short segment fixation is superior to legacy system and can achieve perfect reduction

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