Effect of the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation at the fractured vertebra on the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures

32 patients with a thoracolumbar fracture were randomized to receive either percutaneous short-segmental pedicle screw fixation with intermediate screws or percutaneous bilateral pedicle screw fixation without intermediate screws. The purpose of this study was to compare the two techniques in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative back pain and function, sagittal Cobb angle, vertebrae body index, anterior vertebrae body height, and complications. Outcomes were assessed up to one year postoperatively. After one year, clinical outcomes of pain and disability did not significantly differ between groups, nor did correction or loss of correction of Cobb's angle. In contrast, there was greater correction, and significantly lower loss of correction over follow-up, of the anterior vertebrae body height and vertebral body index in the intermediate screw group compared to the control group.