Pedicle screw fixation in the management of unstable thoracolumbar spine injuries.

Pedicle screw fixation provides rigid segmental stabilization of the thoracolumbar spine. A wide range of conditions that can cause instability of the thoracolumbar spine can be treated using this technique. The increasing popularity of pedicle screw fixation has resulted in new knowledge concerning pedicle anatomy and the biomechanics of this method of fixation. The preliminary results have clarified both the indications and the limitations of this procedure. Successful results using pedicle screws require prudent patient selection, thorough preoperative preparation, and a high level of surgical expertise.