A method to characterize burst fractures

Abstract

The estimation of the pre operation and post operation canal geometry and interpedicular distance of burst fracture clinical cases has not been well documented. In this study a quantitative method was developed to estimate these parameters from clinical CT images in a SUN 2GX SPARCstation using the SUN VISION Software. In an initial cadaveric study the methods to estimate these parameters were set and it was found that the bone mineral density (BMD) correlated with the fracture load, degree of canal encroachment and changes in the interpedicular distance (IPD). For the nine burst fracture patients, the BMD correlated with the degree of canal encroachment but not IPD changes. After several months, the hardware was removed in three patients. The canal area increased and the IPD decreased in the affected vertebral body, showing significant recovery in each case.