Removal or retention of minimally invasive screws in thoracolumbar fractures? Systematic review and case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is uncertainty regarding delayed removal versus retention of minimally invasive screws following percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures. We conducted a systematic review and case-control study to test the hypothesis that delayed metalwork removal following percutaneous fixation for thoracolumbar fractures improves outcome.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Our case-control study retrospectively evaluated 55 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent percutaneous fixation in a single unit: 19 with metalwork retained (controls) and 36 with metalwork removed. Outcomes were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a supplemental questionnaire, and complications.

Results

The syst

SUBMITTER: Visagan R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10068661 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature