Publication:

Functional outcome of minimally invasive posterior stabilisation in dorsal and lumbar spine fractures

Background Minimally invasive spinal surgery will be a highlight of operative approaches in the twenty-first century and already has been popularized worldwide. This procedure will provide surgical options that address several pathological conditions in the spinal column without producing the types of morbidity commonly seen in open surgical procedures. The objective was to assess the outcomes of minimally invasive posterior stabilization of dorsal and lumbar spine fractures.

Methods This was a prospective study of twenty patients with dorsal or lumbar fractures who were admitted at Sri Ramachandra University. All patients having dorsal and lumbar spinal fractures with intact neurology were included in the study. All the patients underwent minimally invasive posterior stabilization by freehand technique. Functional outcomes were measured by VAS scale, ASIA scoring (neurology), and their ability to mobilize.

Results The average duration of surgery was 85.50 minutes. The average blood loss in our study group was 77 ml. The average operation to mobilization time was 2.2 days. The average post-operative Cobb’s angle was 0.6 degree of kyphosis. The average post-operative gain was 12 degree.

Conclusion Minimally invasive percutaneous stabilization of the spine helps to minimize approach related morbidity and secondary iatrogenic soft tissue trauma. It enables early mobilization, which contributes to improved outcome.