Objective    To study the feasibility and outcome of posterior one-side transpedicular partial spondylectomy to reconstruct and decompress thoracolumbar vertebra in treatment of three-column thoracolumbar spine fractures.     Methods    Posterior one-side transpedicular partial spondylectomy was performed for 19 patients with three-column thoracolumbar spine fractures from March 2006 to March 2009

with the loading on thoracolumbar vertebra scored and neurologic function graded before operation. Loss of Cobb angle of injured vertebra was detected

decompression range of vertebral cannel

position and fusion of bone grafts

as well as recovery of neurologic function were evaluated after operation.     Results    The procedure was successfully performed in all the patients at one time. The operation time was 3.2-4.1 h (mean 3.8 h). The volume of blood loss during operation was 400-2 100 ml (mean 880 ml). No operation-related complication occurred. X-ray examination showed that the correction of Cobb angle was 12°-25° (mean 19.8°). The patients were followed up for more than 12 months. Among the 8 Frankle A patients

neurologic function did not recover in 4 and was recovered to Frankle B in 4. Among the 7 Frankle B patients

neurologic function was recovered to Frankle C in 3

and follow-up was lost in 1. Among the 4 Frankle C patients

neurological function was recovered to Frankle D and E in 3 and 1

respectively. Fusion of bone grafts and vertebrae was found in 15 patients. No looseness

shift and fracture of bone grafts and internal fixers was found.     Conclusion    Posterior partial one-side transpedicular spondylectomy can reconstruct and decompress thoracolumbar vertebra

recovering the stability of the three-column spine

and is thus one of the feasible procedures for severe three-column thoracolumbar spine fractures.