Prospective randomized controlled comparison of posterior vs. posterior-anterior stabilization of thoracolumbar incomplete cranial burst fractures in neurological intact patients: the RASPUTHINE pilot study

21 patients with incomplete thoracolumbar burst fractures were randomized to bisegmental posterior stabilization with or without the addition of anterior stabilization. Patients were assessed for clinical outcome on the Oswestry Disability Index and kyphotic angle on radiographs over 24-month follow-up. Results demonstrated no significant difference between groups in mean ODI at 24 months, or in improvement in ODI from baseline after 24 months. The group treated with additional anterior stabilization demonstrated a significantly smaller degree of loss of correction in bisegmental kyphosis angle after 24 months.