Abstract:

Objective　To explore the indications and methods of minimally invasive operation for thoracolumbar fracture through Quadrant passage．Methods　From April 2010 to October 2012，58 selected patients with thoracolumbar fracture received internal fixation with pedicle screw-rod system through Quadrant passage in our department．They were treated with minimally invasive operation through posterior midline surgical approach between multifidus muscle and longissimus. Decompressions were performed on the some cases. The curative effect was assessed by clinical and radiographical indexes.　Results　All patients underwent successful operations and the following-up ranged from 18 to 36 months. Compared with  the conventional surgical approaches，the minimally invasive surgical approach have the advantages of minimal invasion，less blood loss，shorter operation time and less back pain，and they also have similar or even better outcome on reduction, decompression，internal fixation，fusion and motor function recovery of the thoracolumbar fracture.　Conclusion　Minimally invasive operations via Quadrant passage have good effect on thoracolumbar fracture and the indications of minimally invasive operation can be properly broadened by using Quadrant passage.

Key words:  Thoracolumbar, Spinal fractures, Minimally invasive, Operation