[Systematic review of anterior versus posterior surgical treatments of thoracolumbar fractures].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of anterior versus posterior surgical treatments of thoracolumbar fractures.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) were identified from MEDLINE (1966 - 2006.7), EMBASE (1966 - 2006.7), PubMed (1996 - 2006.7), Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2006).We hand-searched Chinese Journal of Orthopedics (from establishment to May 2006) and Orthopaedic Journal of China (from establishment to May 2006). RCTs and CCTs were included. Data were extracted by two reviewers with designed extraction form. RevMan 4.2.8 software was used for data analysis.


RESULTS
Two RCTs and four prospective clinical trials were included. The combined results showed that compare with posterior surgical management, anterior approach in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures proved the less incidence of complications; better neurologic recovery and corrected kyphosis angle; more complete and reliable decompression of the canal. However, there was not difference between the two groups in the general status outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
To compare with posterior fixation system, anterior surgical managements in the thoracolumbar spinal trauma might be the optimal choices because the lower rates of complications and loss of corrected kyphosis angle; better neurologic recovery, also. Besides, due to the lack of Evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injuries, the results which indicated above need further study.
TIAN
He
H
Department of Orthopaedics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830054, China.
SONG
Yu-cheng
YC
CHEN
Jiang-tao
JT
MA
Ning
N
WANG
Chong
C
XU
Qing
Q
TA
Yi-er
YE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome