Study of the consolidation of type B thoracolumbar fractures treated by monosegmental percutaneous osteosynthesis in patients with an ankylosed spine.

PURPOSE: The objective is to study the rate of fusion of type B thoracolumbar fractures occurring in patients with an ankylosed spine and treated by monosegmental percutaneous osteosynthesis.

METHODS: We report 43 patients who underwent a mono-segmental screw fixation in this indication, between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023, at the University Hospital of Nancy, with follow up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. A CT scan was done at each post operative control and fusion was evaluated.

RESULTS: Of the 43 included patients, 41 had complete fusion at 12 months (95%) and 2 (5%) had fractures that did not consolidate. We had not any displacement of screws or rods. 29 men (67%) and 14 women (33%). The average age was 70.6 ± 11.5 years. Hospitalization duration averaged 10.7 ± 9.4 days (range 2-49), with a median of 7 days. Ten patients had medical complications during hospitalization stay (23%).

CONCLUSION: Mono-segmental percutaneous osteosynthesis could enable fracture consolidation at 12 months in patients with thoracolumbar type B fractures and had ankylosed spine.