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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 01-10-2021 | Thoracic Trauma | Review Article

Biomechanics and clinical outcome after posterior stabilization of mid-thoracic vertebral body fractures: a systematic literature review

Authors: Ulrich J. Spiegl, Georg Osterhoff, Philipp Bula, Frank Hartmann, Max J. Scheyerer, Klaus J. Schnake, Bernhard W. Ullrich

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this review is to systematically screen the literature for clinical and biomechanical studies dealing with posterior stabilization of acute traumatic mid-thoracic vertebral fractures in patients with normal bone quality.

Methods

This review is based on articles retrieved by a systematic search in the PubMed and Web of Science database for publications up to December 2018 dealing with the posterior stabilization of fractures of the mid-thoracic spine.

Results

Altogether, 1012 articles were retrieved from the literature search. A total of 960 articles were excluded. A total of 16 articles were dealing with the timing of surgery in polytraumatized patients, patients suffering of neurologic deficits after midthoracic fractures, and the impact of concomitant thoracic injuries and were excluded. Thus, 36 remaining original articles were included in this systematic review depicting the topics biomechanics, screw insertion, and outcome after posterior stabilization. The overall level of evidence of the vast majority of studies is low.

Conclusion

High quality studies are lacking. Long-segmental stabilization is indicated in unstable midthoracic fractures with concomitant sternal fractures. Generally, long-segmental constructs seem to be the safer treatment strategy considering the relative high penetration rate of pedicle screws in this region. Thereby, navigated insertion techniques and intraoperative 3D-imaging help to improve pedicle screw placement accuracy.

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Title: Biomechanics and clinical outcome after posterior stabilization of mid-thoracic vertebral body fractures: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ulrich J. Spiegl
Georg Osterhoff
Philipp Bula
Frank Hartmann
Max J. Scheyerer
Klaus J. Schnake
Bernhard W. Ullrich
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Thoracic Trauma
Thoracic Trauma
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01560-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Biomechanics and clinical outcome after posterior stabilization of mid-thoracic vertebral body fractures: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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