Application and efficacy of a self-made minimally invasive transverse cross-link in percutaneous pedicle screw surgery

To design a minimally invasive transverse cross-link for use in percutaneous pedicle screw fixation surgery and to explore and observe its clinical application value. A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 50 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with percutaneous pedicle screws was conducted. A self-made, minimally invasive transverse cross-link was implanted during surgery. Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up imaging examinations were performed to compare the imaging parameters and document the occurrence of complications related to internal fixation. Clinical efficacy was evaluated via the visual analog scale for pain and the Oswestry disability index. All patients successfully underwent surgery and achieved bony fusion 1 year after surgery. Compared with the preoperative values, the local Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height ratio at 3 days, 3 months, and final follow-up significantly improved (P < .05). The visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores at 3 months and at the final follow-up were significantly better than the preoperative scores (P < .05). No complications related to internal fixation, including screw loosening, withdrawal, or rod fracture, were observed during the follow-up period. The application of the self-made minimally invasive transverse cross-link provides additional stability to percutaneous pedicle screw fixation surgery while maintaining the integrity of the posterior midline structures. This technique is safe and feasible.