Implanting pedicle screw in fractured vertebra results in no adverse effect on bone healing in thoracic or lumbar burst fracture.

AIM To confirm whether implanting pedicle-screw at the level of fractured vertebra increases adverse effects on fracture healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS CT follow-up was conducted for 28 patients who sustained thoracic or lumbar burst fracture and underwent posterior pedicle-screw instrumentation and reduction including implanting screws into the fractured vertebra at the same time. The time for follow-up CT scan ranged from 1 to 3 years postoperatively. RESULTS 28 patients underwent final CT scan 1 to 3 years after surgery which revealed good bony fusion within each fractured vertebra and no screw or rod breakage; kyphosis was also not detected. CONCLUSION Implanting pedicle-screw at the level of fractured vertebra does not have a negative influence on bone healing.