For the evaluation of the clinical and radiological results of transpedicular Zielke instrumentation for the fractures and dislocations in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the authors analysed the 13 patients who were operated by that method and were followed up more than one year after operation (Av 33 months).
1. Operative indications were seat belt type, flexion-distraction injury of fracture-dislocation type and burst type that needed additional stabilization after anterior fusion.
2. Extent of fixation and fusion were 1 motion segment in 6, 2 motion segment in 7.
3. Bony union could be observed within 6 months in all, without any possible complications of metal failure, non-union, loss of correction or neural damage.
4. Kyphotic angular deformity were changed from 25 preoperatively, to 3 post-operatively and 5 at the end of follow up.
5. anterior vertebral height in 6 burst type were 46% preoperatively, 77% post-operatively and 74% at the and of follow up.
From above results, the authors concluded that the transpedicular Zielke instrumentation enabled the fixation of shortest segments and provided enough stability when the method was applied in the types of injury that demand posterior compression for the reduction and stabilization of the deformity and instability.