We present 15 cases of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures treated by decompressionand stabilization with CD instrumentation. With a minimum of 1 year follow-up, thequality and the efficacy of the spinal canal decompression and the loss of reduction were evaluated.Thirteen patients presented incomplete neurological damage according to Frankel's score (modifiedby Bradford). The cases were distributed as follows: T8 (1), T12 (1), L1(5), L2 (3), L3 (2), L4(1) and L5 (2). The canal occupation and the reduction obtained were assessed pre- andpostoperative by CT scan. The healthy level above the fracture was used as reference. The saggitalindex (pre- and postop) and the height of the vertebral body were also evaluated by radiography.Except in one case, all the patients improved at least 1 grade (modified Frankel scale). The meancanal occupation was 56% (25-95%). The mean postoperative occupation was 22% (range 0-70);After 1 year follow up, these way minimum loss, (in 2 cases) with a mean 24% of final occupation.Transpedicular approach provides an efficient decompression from the neurological pointof view, allowing reduction of the posterior wall without loss of the posterolateral structures forthe fusion, as well as a sufficient reconstruction of the vertebral body. CD instrumentation permitsenought stability with this technique, showing minimum loss of the reduction in the posteriorwall and in the saggital index.

We present 15 cases of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures treated by decompressionand stabilization with CD instrumentation. With a minimum of 1 year follow-up, thequality and the efficacy of the spinal canal decompression and the loss of reduction were evaluated.Thirteen patients presented incomplete neurological damage according to Frankel's score (modifiedby Bradford). The cases were distributed as follows: T8 (1), T12 (1), L1(5), L2 (3), L3 (2), L4(1) and L5 (2). The canal occupation and the reduction obtained were assessed pre- andpostoperative by CT scan. The healthy level above the fracture was used as reference. The saggitalindex (pre- and postop) and the height of the vertebral body were also evaluated by radiography.Except in one case, all the patients improved at least 1 grade (modified Frankel scale). The meancanal occupation was 56% (25-95%). The mean postoperative occupation was 22% (range 0-70);After 1 year follow up, these way minimum loss, (in 2 cases) with a mean 24% of final occupation.Transpedicular approach provides an efficient decompression from the neurological pointof view, allowing reduction of the posterior wall without loss of the posterolateral structures forthe fusion, as well as a sufficient reconstruction of the vertebral body. CD instrumentation permitsenought stability with this technique, showing minimum loss of the reduction in the posteriorwall and in the saggital index.