Posterior Reduction of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures with Dick's Method

Sagittal spinal alignment and narrowing of the spinal canal were evaluated in 15 thoracolumbar burst fracture patients treated by Dick's method using Synthes Universal Spine System.The kyphosis angle averaged 17.0±10.0° before surgery and minus;2.2±5.4° immediately after surgery (P<0.001), wedging rate 54±11% and 90±6.1% (P<0.001), collapse rate of posterior wall 5.7±4.9% and 1.9±3.4%, and canal compromise 53.4±18.3% and 33.1±15.0%, respectively. Postoperative sagittal balance was acceptable even in the elderly (more than 50 years old) or neglected (operated more than eight days after injury) patients. Preoperative severe stenosis with more than 50% canal compromise tended to be less improved in the elderly and neglected patients.