Comparison of Open Versus Percutaneous Transpedicular Screw Fixation in Thoracolumbar Fractures

meantime to return to work following percutaneous transpedicular fixation versus open pedicle screw fixation. We evaluated the average time required to return to work following percutaneous transpedicular fixation versus open pedicle screw fixation in traumatic lumbar spine injury. Material and Methods:  A randomized controlled trial included 60 patients. At study entry baseline demographics (age, gender, & duration of injury) were recorded. 30 patients were in the percutaneous transpedicular fixation group (A), while 30 patients were in the open pedicle screw fixation group (B). All the patients were followed every month time taken to return to work (TTRW) was noted on a proforma. Results:  Mean time taken by patients to return to work after surgery in Group A was 2.9 days, while in group B it was 5.1 days in group B. The difference between the two groups was significant (p-value 0.001). Within Group A, male and female genders showed a significant difference (p-value 0.032) in the TTRW after surgery. However, Group B did not show a similar difference between male and female patients. Duration of procedure had a significant effect on the TTRW (p-value 0.001). Conclusion:  We found ‘ time is taken to return to work’ was 2.93 ± 0.82 in group A and 5.10 ± 0.71 in group B (P-value 0.001). There was a significant difference in both groups. Percutaneous transpedicular fixation is a fast, safe and effective method as compared to other methods.