Single-level interbody fusion in treatment of lumbar fractures

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of treating lumbar fractures by performing instrumented interbody fusion with the adjacent vertebra. Patients and methods In a prospective study, 69 consecutive patients with lumbar fractures were treated by single-level interbody fusion. The fractures involving either the superior or inferior endplate with intact pedicles were included. Results The follow-up period was between 24 and 37 months, with a mean of 28.3 months. The mean preoperative local kyphosis was 10.39° and anterior vertebral height loss was 50.55%. In the final follow-up, they were 2.98° and 16.78%, with a statistically significant difference. On Denis scale for back pain, six patients were P3 with occasional use of medications, and two were P4 with constant use of analgesics at the final follow-up. No case of pesudoarthrosis nor neurologic deterioration was recorded. Conclusion Single-segment interbody fusion is an effective option in fractures of the lumbar region, involving either endplate, provided the body is not severely comminuted.