1 Introduction top
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Preliminary remarks
MIS reduces the surgical trauma for the patient, potentially resulting in a quicker recovery while providing similar clinical mid to long term results.
Decompression
In cases where neurological deficit is observed and compression of the spinal canal is assumed, decompression has to be performed. It should be understood that this is a step that can also result in deterioration of neurology unless very meticulously performed.
Decompression can be performed anteriorly or posteriorly. Posteriorly decompression can be indirect or direct.
Indirect decompression may be tried before performing direct decompression.
Please refer to Decompression techniques for a detailed discussion of indications for the posterior decompression techniques. ( Posterior decompression)
Repair of dural laceration
More details on repair of dural laceration can be found here.
2 Patient preparation and approach top
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Percutaneous posterior approach for pedicle screw placement is used together with the appropriate patient preparation.
3 Closed reduction top
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Primary reduction is performed by positioning of the patient onto a frame to create lordosis or kyphosis as needed by the fracture type and the level of the injury.
4 Reduction with pedicle screws (MIS) top
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Preliminary remarks
Due to the fact that bilateral instrumentation is necessary in all cases, all steps described below are repeated on the opposite side, unless described differently.
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Pitfall: Multisegmental stabilization
In the thoracic spine, multisegmental stabilization is recommended, because reduction is more complicated and loss of mobility is less critical due to the relative rigidity of the thoracic spine.
If multisegmental stabilization is necessary, add screws in the adjacent caudal and cranial vertebrae.
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Pedicle screw insertion
Pedicle screws are inserted into the vertebrae cephalad and caudal to the fracture level on both sides. Mono- or polyaxial top or side loading screws can be used in any combination. ( Pedicle screw insertion)
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Rod contouring
The amount of lordotic/kyphotic reduction is defined by the pre-bending of the rod. This restores the height of the vertebral body, especially in the anterior part.
Multiple attempts to bend the rod correctly might be necessary.
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Rod insertion
The rods are introduced to the distal screw heads on both sides and tightened.
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The rod is then inserted into the proximal screw heads without tightening.
Decompression
If it is decided to perform an indirect decompression, this is done at this stage. If indirect decompression proves to be insufficient, a direct decompression eg, posterior or transpedicular decompressions are undertaken. Refer to the Posterior Decompression techniques for detailed instructions. ( Posterior decompression)
5 Distraction top
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Monoaxial toploading screws
Distraction of the monoaxial screws is performed using a distraction device. This restores the height of the vertebral body, especially in the posterior part.
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Polyaxial toploading screws
Polyaxial toploading fixation should only be used if adequate closed reduction could be achieved.
Lordotic/kyphotic reduction is not possible with polyaxial toploading screws.
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Distraction of the fractured vertebra using polyaxial screws is performed using a distraction device.
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The screw heads are tightened with the inner nuts to secure the reduction achieved.
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The final construct is shown from a lateral view.
6 Fusion top
Decision
Although fusion was routinely performed for all spinal fractures, its indications are now being restricted to fractures that are highly unstable.
Nonfusion fixations can be performed for A3, A4, and B1 type injuries. Fusion is routinely performed for A2, B2, B3 and all C injuries as they are unstable injuries with extensive soft tissue and ligamentous disruption.
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Nonfusion
For nonfusion surgeries, the facet joint capsule is preserved during the entire procedure.
The screws can be removed after 9 months once the fracture has healed.
