Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of modified posterior-anterior operation in the treatment of serious lumbar fracture and dislocation. Methods From January 2002 to February 2006, 24 patients, 17 males and 7 females aged 22-69 years, underwent reduction of posterior spatium intermuscular approach combined with modified anterioroperation. Nine cases were caused by fall ing and 15 by traffic accident, involving: L1 in 5 cases, L2 in 10 cases, L3 in 4 cases, L4 in 2 case, L1,2 in 1 case and L3,4 in 2 cases. According to the Frankel grade, there were 5 cases for grade A, 11 for grade B, 7 for grade C and 1 for grade D. The recovery of neurological function was evaluated. The imageology examination was appl ied to evaluate the condition of internal fixation and bone union. The Cobb’s angle was measured by X-ray film before operation, 3 days after operation and at the final follow-up, and the difference was estimated. Results Nineteen patients were followed up for 8-52 months, 28.4 months on average. Among the 2 cases of grade A, one improved to C and the other had no improvement. Among the 9 cases of grade B, 5 improved to C, 2 improved to D, and other two had no improvement. Among the 7 cases of grade C, 5 improved to D and 2 improved to E. One case of grade D improved to E. The average Cobb’s angle was (—11.5 ± 4.6)° preoperatively, (4.2 ± 4.7)° 3 days after operation and (4.0 ± 4.8)° at the final follow-up, indicating there was a significant difference between preoperation, 3 days after operation and the final follow-up (P lt; 0.001), but no significant difference between 3 days after operation and the final follow-up (P gt; 0.05). The position of internal fixation was good during follow-up. The compl ications such as disruption, loosening and collapse were not observed. Conclusion Reduction of posterior spatium intermuscular approach combined with modified anterior operation in the treatment of serious lumbar fracture and dislocation could complete the reduction, decompression, grafting and internal fixation in one stage, and protect the paraspinal soft tissue and minimize the trauma caused by surgery. It has the merits of short time of operation, small amount of intraoperative hemorrhage, sol id union of internal fixation and satisfactory cl inical outcome.