1 Introduction top
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Preliminary remarks
B2 injuries indicate a bony and/or ligamentary failure of the posterior tension band together with a Type A fracture of the vertebral body. Type A fractures should be classified separately as fracture management depends on both types.
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 posterior decompression techniques.
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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The posterior open approach to the midline 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.
4 Reduction with pedicle screws 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 otherwise.
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Pedicle screw insertion
Most B2 fractures are associated with significant comminution of the vertebral body (A3, A4) and hence may require anterior reconstruction if managed by posterior short segment fixation with pedicle screws alone (PSSF-PS). If the vertebral body fracture is of A1 or A2 types, then posterior short segment fixation alone suffices.
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 contouring of the rod depends on the site of the fracture following the natural curvature of the spine. A rod contoured in mild kyphosis is chosen for fractures from T1-T10. A straight or a slightly lordotic rod is chosen for fractures from T11-L1 as illustrated, and a rod contoured to lordosis is chosen for lumbar fractures.
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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.
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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 decompression are undertaken. Refer to the Posterior Decompression techniques for detailed instructions. ( Posterior Decompression)
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Distraction (ligamentotaxis)
With the help of a distractor, the proximal screws are distracted along the rod. This is done on both sides simultaneously.
Pitfall: Avoid overdistraction
Care should be taken to avoid overdistraction in type B2 fractures.
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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.
5 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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Fusion
If the surgeon plans for a fusion, the facet capsule is excised and the joint cartilage surfaces are denuded/curetted.
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Pieces of bone graft (autograft, allograft) are inserted into the decorticated facet joint for fusion.
