Methods: The study comprised 121 patients (98 men and 23 women) between ages 15-70 years with one spinal fracture with two or three column destruction, who underwent with expandable cage placement, between January 2005 to January 2009. Neurological status was classified using American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale and motor index. The fusion status and spine alignment were examined by radiological imaging.
Results: All patients in this study achieved solid fusion with significant neurologic improvement. Mean follow up time was 6 months. Neurologic status in 41 patients (pre op: ASIA-E post op-unchanged). 30 patients (pre-op: ASIA-D, post-op improved to ASIA-E). 6 patients (pre op: ASIA-B, 2 patients improved to ASIA-D and 5 patients improved to ASIA-D). Pain improved in all case and sensations were last to recover.
Conclusion: The TMC is an effective adjunct in restoring and maintaining sagittal plane alignment after thoracolumbar vertebrectomy to achieve canal decompression and in this context it provides an effective method for anterior column reconstruction. It has been found to be a rapid and safe procedure for lumber spine fusion, with a high fusion rate and clinical success with rare serious complications.
Key words: Thoracolumbar spinal trauma, Titanium Mesh Cage, Anterior Column Reconstruction of spine, Spinal stability
