Abstract:

BACKGROUND: There are many pedicle screw systems, including AF system, general spine system and RF system fixation, but each of them has their disadvantages.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of general spine system versus AF system fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture.
METHODS: 110 patients with thoracolumbar fracture were divided into general spine system group (n=56) and AF system group (n=54) randomly. At 1 week, 3 months and 1 year follow-up after fixation, the anterior vertebral height, Cobb angle, Frankel grading of spinal cord injury and X-ray results after internal fixation were compared between two groups.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference of the percentage of vertebral height and Cobb angle between two groups at 1 week and 1 year follow-up after fixation. At 1 week after fixation, the percentage of anterior vertebral height and Cobb angle were better than those before fixation (P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between two groups at 1 week and 1 year after fixation. According to the Frankel grading, there was no significant difference of the neurological function recovery between two groups after fixation. As for the postoperative complications, there was 1 case of one pedicle screw breakage in general spine system group, 2 cases of nail breaking and 3 cases of rod breaking in AF system group, and there was significant difference. Thoracolumbar fracture can be treated successfully with general spine system and AF system fixation. Compared to general spine fixation system, AF system has more nail breaking and rod breaking and cannot be used for multi-section fixation.