Anterior decompression and fixation versus posterior reposition and semirigid fixation in the treatment of unstable burst thoracolumbar fracture: prospective clinical trial

This is a critical abstract of an economic evaluation that meets the criteria for inclusion on NHS EED. Each abstract contains a brief summary of the methods, the results and conclusions followed by a detailed critical assessment on the reliability of the study and the conclusions drawn. Both anterior decompression and fixation (ADF) and posterior reposition and semirigid fixation (PRSRF) were equally effective in terms of neurological improvements, economic status and functional outcomes. However, PRSRF showed better results in terms of shorter operative times, smaller blood loss, absence of donor site pain, shorter hospital stays and lower hospital costs.