Objective: To compare the outcomes of open versus minimally invasive spinal surgery for the treatment of thoracolumbar traumatic spinal injury. Study Design: Descriptive observational study. Duration of Study: January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Subjects and Method: A total of sixty consenting patients of either gender between ages 18-75 years diagnosed as thoracolumbar traumatic spinal injury (TLSI) underwent for surgical decompression, fusion or stabilization with pedicular screw fixation via open or minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) were included. These patients were divided into two groups via lottery method. Laminectomy in either group was done if needed. Surgery was performed by experienced neurosurgeons in presence of the researcher. Findings like intra operative blood loss, operative time, post-operative hospital stay in days and Oswestry Disability Score on 1month follow-up was noted. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 26.0. Results: Age range in this study was from 18 to 75 years. Mean age in open group was 56.6 ± 14.6years and in MISS group was 52.2 ± 13.8 years. Significant difference was observed in intra-operative blood loss and operative time; however, no significant difference was observed in duration of hospital stay and Oswestry Disability score. Conclusion: Our study documents favorable patient and radiographic outcomes with the use of MISS for thoracolumbar trauma.
Keywords: Minimally invasive spinal surgery, outcomes, Oswestry Disability thoracolumbar traumatic spinal injury