title: Result of posterior instrumentation without fusion in the management of thoracolumbar and lumbar unstable burst fracture.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to assess the usefulness of posterior instrumentation without fusion in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar unstable burst fracture.
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled 60 patients who received only posterior instrumentation without fusion for thoracolumbar and lumbar unstable burst fracture between September 1, 2003 and December 31, 2009 at our hospital and who were available for longer than 12-month follow-up observation after the implant removal. For clinical evaluation, 12 months after the implant removal, we used the Oswestry Disability Index, the Visual Analog Scale of back pain, and the Smiley-Webster Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In comparison with preoperative conditions, the postoperative kyphotic angle and the ratio of anterior vertebra height were significantly increased (P=0.005, 0.007) and they were maintained even after implant removal. The average range of joint motion was 9.47±1.85 degrees, 1.77±0.99 Visual Analog Scale, and 0.78±3.46 Oswestry Disability Index, and scores greater than "good" on the Smiley-Webster Scale were observed in 50 of the 60 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In thoracolumbar and lumbar unstable burst fracture, performing posterior instrumentation without fusion and removing the instrument after bone union is achieved is considered a useful procedure for selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Bong
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Sang-Wook
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult