Comparison of Anterior Fusion and Posterolateral Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Spinal Fractures

Abstract

Purpose: Since isolated posterior instrumentation has not given the promised results we have compared the anteriorly instrumented and fused cases with posteriorly instrumented and posterolateral interbody fusion applied cases with regard to loss of correction as an alternative treatment technique. Materials and
Methods: Five cases had anterior intervention while seven received posterior instrumentation and posterolateral interbody fusion in a one stage procedure which required partial laminectomy and excision of ruptured discus.
Results: At the latest follow-up examination anterior height was an average of 80% of the original height in posterior instrumented and posterolateral interbody fused group. The anteriorly instrumented and fused group showed no loss of correction.
Conclusion: We think that anterior grafting combined with refined posterior instrumentation will give better results. We have not seen any severe complication in our short term follow-up and we have obtained solid fusions in longer followed-up patients.