Long versus Short Segment Instrumentation in Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fracture

Abstract

Study Design: Retrospective comparative study. Purpose: This study aimed to compare clinical and radiological data and rate of mechanical complications in elderly patients treated with short segment (SSS) or long segment stabilization (LSS) for thoracolumbar junction osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs). Overview of Literature: A fervent debate is now focused on the treatment of OVF using SSS or LSS. High rate of complications is associated with pedicle screw fixation because of poor bone quality. Methods: Patients over 65 years old with a T-score of <0.00001). At the final follow-up, no significant differences were found in terms of ODI and VAS. There was no difference in correction of BKA between groups; however, a significant difference was found in LSS group between pre- and postoperative BKA (p=0.046), whereas no difference was found in SSS group. A significant difference in the rate of mechanical complications was found between groups (p=0.011). Conclusions: Both treatments showed good clinical and radiological results; however, LSS group showed better BKA correction and lower mechanical complications than SSS group.