The Effectiveness of Ligamentotaxis for Treating Traumatic Thoracic and Lumbar Fractures and Exploring the Factors that Influence the Outcomes

Background: Traumatic fractures of the thoracic and lumbar regions are frequently observed, particularly at the thoracolumbar junction. The primary causes of these fractures include road traffic accidents and falls from significant heights. Objectives: Ligamentotaxis treats compressed and burst spine fractures in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Its effectiveness is assessed by looking at factors that affect the treatment's result when the anterior vertebral support is lost and how it helps decompress the affected areas by realigning retropulsed segments and restoring vertebral height. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 20 patients who had traumatic fractures in their thoracic and lumbar spine and whose posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) remained intact. The patients were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method. The study took place at police hospitals and the Neurosurgery department at Al-Azhar University hospitals between the years 2023 and 2024. Results: Infection was the most frequent surgical consequence in 5% of patients, while another 5% experienced CSF leaking infection. Conclusion: The study yielded a favorable outcome in 95% of patients, with a reduction in the retropulsion portion achieved by the intact posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL).