Impact of preoperative lumbar paraspinal muscle quality on the prognosis of open pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar fractures
By
Hao Liu
Yan Gong
Yang Shen
Moshan Wen
Zhen Kuang
Mai Wang
Yufeng Huang
Jintao Liu
Zhensong Yao
Jianchao Cui
June 4, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Influence of Preoperative Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Condition on Outcomes After Open Pedicle Screw Fixation for Thoracolumbar Fractures
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Thoracolumbar fractures Key Mechanisms Preoperative paraspinal muscle quality (fat infiltration) affects long-term radiographic outcomes post-surgery. Target Population Patients aged 18-65 with acute, single-segment traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. Care Setting Surgical intervention in a hospital setting.
Key Highlights
Patients stratified into low-fat and high-fat groups based on preoperative fat infiltration. No significant differences in immediate postoperative outcomes between groups. High-fat group showed greater loss of radiographic correction at 1-year follow-up. Assessment of paraspinal muscle quality may aid in surgical planning. Complication rates were similar across both groups. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
MRI assessment of paraspinal muscle fat infiltration prior to surgery. Management
Consideration of paraspinal muscle quality in surgical planning for thoracolumbar fractures. Monitoring & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up of radiographic outcomes post-OPSF. Risks
Increased risk of correction loss in patients with higher fat infiltration. Patient & Prescribing Data
48 patients with single-segment thoracolumbar fractures.
Surgical intervention preferred for unstable fractures or neurological compromise.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize MRI to evaluate paraspinal muscle condition preoperatively. Monitor radiographic parameters at 1-year follow-up to assess correction maintenance. Related Resources & Content
