Outcomes were assessed with the Visual Analogue
Scale (0–10) prior to fracture stabilisation, one month
after surgery and at the most recent follow-up. VAS
Spine Score (range 0–100 points) was also used as this
tool has been assessed and validated for outcome measurements
in the treatment of patients with thoracolumbar
injuries [15]. We also assessed patients’
satisfaction with a five choice satisfaction scale of “very
satisfied,” “satisfied,” “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied,”
“dissatisfied,” or “very dissatisfied”. Short-Form 36
(SF-36) was employed to assess overall quality of life; it
includes an 8-item profile of functional and mental
health summary measures [16]. Each item of the SF-36
score was compared with levels of representative German
population (n=2.914) [17]. Oswestry Disability Index
(ODI; range 0-100%), a validated outcome measure
used in the management of spine disorders [18], was
also recorded.
Radiographic assessment of correction was performed
with the Superior-Inferior Endplate Angle (SIEA). The
SIEA was supposed to measure correction after ventral
stabilisation. Measurements were performed prior to the
operation, one month after surgery and at follow-up
(routine examination).
In order to identify risk factors for poor outcomes,
patients were grouped and evaluated according to gender,
age (≤ 50 years versus > 50 years), injury distribution
(monosegmentalversus polysegmental), the presence or
absence of concomitant injuries or intra-operative and/
or post-operative complications.