Thoracoscopically Assisted Anterior Fusion for Unstable Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures

Objective. To assess the efficacy of endoscopic surgery for treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures. Material and Methods. Retrospective case history review of 88 patients operated on for acute unstable fractures of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae was performed. Radiological dynamics of kyphosis, operation time, intraoperation blood loss, and pain syndrome severity were assessed in the early postoperative period using visual analogue scale. Results. The best results in combined interventions were achieved using anterior spinal fusion with implant insertion. The average operation time for thoracoscopic fusion exceeded that for thoracotomic approach. The blood loss was less than during open surgery. The pain syndrome intensity was less in patients who underwent thoracoscopic fusion. Conclusion. A two-stage combined intervention provides a reliable short-segment stabilization at the injured level with minimal loss of correction due to a circumferential fixation. Endoscopic fusion ensures formation of a solid bone block by less invasive surgery. The smallest loss of correction is observed when anterior implants are used.