Anterior approach in patients with traumatic compression fracture type of thoracollumbar spine (T11-L2)

Objective: To describe experience with anterior access in compression fractures of thoracolumbar segment (T11 to L2) traumatic fractures that undergone anterior access surgery. Method: A prospective study was conducted between January 1994 and January 2004 with 32 patients. The bone fusion and thoracolumbar alignment were analyzed 6 months and 12 months after the surgery. Results: The average age was 36.53 years old with 23 male patients. The most compromised vertebrae was L1 (n=12). The 23 patients that was ASIA/IMSOP C and ASIA/IMSOP D turned to ASIA/IMSOP E after 1 month (n=12) and 12 months (n=5) of surgery. The preoperative angular deformity average was 14.9 degrees +/- 7.5 degrees. Statistical significance was found (p < 0.0001) when compared to the 30 days postoperative value. Conclusion: The anterior access permits a better spinal canal decompression and angular deformity correction when compared with the posterior access alone.