BACKGROUND: Short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation provides superior outcomes in treating thoracolumbar fractures. Nevertheless, the effect of intermediate screws on the outcome of short-segment instrumentation at the fracture level has not been specifically analyzed. We performed an update meta-analysis of the effect of additional vertebroplasty on the outcome of short-segment instrumentation to determine the role of screws for patients with fractured vertebra.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted, updated to January 2019, in terms of the efficacy of additional vertebroplasty on the outcome of short-segment instrumentation at the fracture level. After rigorous quality review, we extracted the data from qualified clinical studies. We further analyzed odds ratios (ORs) of the endpoints of interest based on the included trials.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, short-segmental fixation combined with intermediate screws restored Cobb angle (P<0.001) and reduced anterior vertebral height compression (P=0.001). However, our results did not reveal statistically significant differences in operative time (P=0.28) or estimated blood loss (P=0.23). A statistically significant difference was observed in mean hospital stay (P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: Reinforcement with fracture-level screw combination can help stabilize the fractures and restore the anatomy. Nevertheless, additional trials and studies with longer follow-ups and on larger populations are warranted to confirm the current findings.

Keywords: Bone Screws, vertebroplasty, Fracture Fixation, Internal, Fractures, Compression, Lumbar Vertebrae, Odds Ratio, operative time, Pedicle Screws, Spinal Fractures, Thoracic Vertebrae