Morcellized local grafts as cost effective option for interbody fusion in thoracolumbar fracture dislocation: Seven years follow up of 53 patients

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.Purpose: Traumatic fracture dislocation of the spine injury is essentially a three column injury that optimally needs surgical intervention to decompress, stabilize and fuse the spinal column. This study evaluate the outcome of posterior and posterolateral decompression, instrumentation and 360 fusion achieved with help of locally harvested autologus morcellized grafts in traumatic fracture dislocation of thoracolumbar spine.Methods: 53 patients were included in this retrospective study. Patients aged 16-55 years, single level fracture dislocation of thoraco-lumbar spine (D5-L5) were included. Patients with multiple level fractures, coexisting degenerative diseases of spine,pathological fractures, patients presenting more than three weeks after initial trauma, patients with concomitant severe head injury that necessitated emergency surgery for the same were excluded from the study. Patients underwent posterior and posterolateral decompression, posterior instrumentation and interbody as well as posterolateral fusion with use of morcellized bone from resected posterior elements. Follow up data at immediate post operative period, 12 months and yearly thereafter up to minimum 7 years was obtained from previous record.Results: There were 46 males and 7 females. Mean age was 31.15 +/- 9.64 yrs. Mean follow up period was 7.4 yrs (range 7-10 yrs). Thoracolumbar dislocation was most frequently noted at thoraco lumbar junction (T10-L2). Thirty six patients had complete neurological deficit (ASIA A) and sixteen had incomplete neurology. At one year follow up, osseous fusion was noted in 48 (90.56%) patients and 5 patients (9.44%) had fibrous union which was determined on CT scan. Immediete post operative, one year and 7 year kyphosis angle was calculated and change in kyphosis angle was not statistically significant. There was no implant failure till last follow up. Conclusion: Morcellized locally harvested autologus grafts are sufficient to achieve 360 spinal fusion in fracture dislocation of thoracolumbar spine.