Abstract:

Objective　To explore the efficacy of minimally invasive fenestration canal decompression and gap muscle pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurologic injury.　Methods　From January 2013 to February 2016, 33 cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurologic injury were treated with minimally invasive fenestration canal decompression and gap muscle pedicle screw fixation.　Result　33 patients were followed up for 2-36 months，with an average of 17 months. Compared with the conventional surgical approach, shorter operative time，less intraoperative and postoperative bleeding，milder back pain were resulted using the surgical approach described in this paper.There were varying degree of recovery of vertebral height,，Cobb angle correction rate，spinal stenosis and neurological conditions.　Conclusion　Minimally invasive fenestration canal decompression and gap muscle pedicle screw fixation for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with neurologic injuryhas the advantages of enjoying a shorter operative time，less trauma，less bleeding，rapid postoperative recovery，as well as retaining the structure and stability of the spine, resulting in effective reduction of pressure within the spinal canal.

Key words: Thoracolumbar fractures, Nerve injury, Fenestration, Paraspinal muscle approach