To discuss the application of mobile C-arm CT scan in the operations for thora-columbar burst fractures of type A3.

From January 2012 to December 2014, 21 patients with sin-gle-segment thoracolumbar burst fracture (AO type A3) were treated. They were 15 males and 6 females, aged from 17 to 68 years (average, 43.6 years). By the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, one was grade A, 2 were grade B, 12 grade C, 4 grade D and 2 grade E. Preoperative CT examination was conducted. Mobile C-arm CT scan was performed to evaluate reduction of the fragments after the fracture was reset by posterior pedicle screwing. Laminotomy for canal decompression or reduction of the fragments would be performed if it was indicated by the results of mobile C-arm CT scan. CT examination was conducted postoperatively to assess the fracture re-duction and recovery of the canal calibre.

All the patients were followed up for an average of 15.5 months (from 10 to 18 months). Their cobb angle, vertebral anterior margin compression rate, spinal occupancy rate, vertebral translocation rate and visual analogue score at postoperation and final follow-up were significantly improved compared with their preoperative values (P< 0.05), but there were no significant differences between postoperation and final follow-up in all the above indexes (P >0.05). Postoperative ASIA grading showed that the spinal function was improved from grade B to grade C in one, from grade C to grade D in 4 cases, from grade C to grade E in 5 cases, and from grade D to grade E in 3 cases.

Since intraoperative C-arm CT scan can help decide whether laminectomy for canal decompression is conducted or not in the surgery of thoracolumbar burst fractures, it enhances the surgical safety and reliability.

Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Fractures,bone; Fracture fixation,internal; C-arm CT