ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results of throacolumbar fractures treated through Wiltse paraspinal approach and conventional posterior approach. MethodsSeventy-six cases of single segmental thoracolumbar fractures (Type A) were treated by posterior reduction and pedicle screw instrumentation from January 2011 to January 2013. Thirty-five cases were treated through Wiltse paraspinal approach (group A), including 27 males and 8 females with an average age of 39.7 years. Forty-one cases were treated through conventional posterior approach (group B), including 30 males and 11 females with an average age of 41.6 years. The data including incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative volume of drainage, the anterior vertebral height, Cobb angle and complications were compared between the two groups. ResultsAll operations were finished successfully. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative volume of drainage were (8.3±1.9) cm, (74.0±21.9) min, (125.0 ±46.7) mL, and (51.0±42.6) mL respectively in group A, and (10.7±2.8) cm, (97.0±18.2) min, (245.0±56.1) mL, and (190.0±72.3) mL in group B respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The restoration of anterior vertebral height and the correction of Cobb angle were well maintained in both groups. The difference was statistically significant before and after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no difference in the complication rate between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with conventional posterior approach, Wiltse paraspinal approach has the advantage of shorter operation time, less trauma and blood loss. It is a better option for the treatment of throacolumbar fractures.