ABSTRACT
Segmental Spinal Instrumentation(S.S.I.) is more effective means of managing unstable thoraco-lumbar spine fractures than traditional Harrington Rod Instrumentation as an operative procedure which afforded rigid internal fixation with stability and needed minimal external immobilization. Early return to normal activity and successful rehabilitation are facilitated by efficient stabilization with S.S.I. Fifty-nine patients with fractures and fracture-dislocations of thoraco-lumbar spine were treated by Harrington Rod Instrumentation (29 patients) and S.S.I. (30 patients) at this hospital from June 1979 to July 1984. We have analysed the results of these treatment and obtained following conclusions: 1. S.S.I. is more rigid internal fixation than Harrington Rod Instrumentation. a) no or minimal external immobilization b) early ambulation and rehabilitation c) lowered complications 2. There was no significant difference in correction rate, loss of correction, and neurologic recovery between Harrington Rod Instrumentation and S.S.I.
Subject(s)
Humans , Early Ambulation , Immobilization , Rehabilitation , Spine , Surgical Procedures, OperativeABSTRACT
Among 334 thoracolumbar spinal injury patients who were admitted to this hospital from June 1972 to June, 1982, 66 patients with fracture and fracture dislocation of thoraco-lumbar spine which were defined as unstable clinically and radiologically were treated with surgical measures. The ratio between male and female was 7.3:1, the majority was found in third and fourth decade (46 cases, 69%), and the most common cause of injury was falling from a height (38 cases, 58%). The most common site of the injury was lumbar spine (29 cases, 44%) and the most common mechanism of injury was flexion-rotation (29 cases, 44%). Our surgical measures were Harrington rod instrumentation with either anterior or posterior fusion (25 cases, 38%), posterior wiring and fusion (14 cases, 21%), anterior decompression and anterior fusion (14 cases, 21%), posterior fusion (4 cases, 6%), anterior fusion and posterior fusion (3 cases, 5%) and etc. The average correction of displacement was 65% and the average correction of kyphotic deformity was 50%. The most remarkable correction was found at the cases of Harrington rod instrumentation (71%, 74%). Neurological deficit had already developed in 43 cases(65%) prior to operation, and the recovery was observed in 18 cases(42%). Most excellent recovery of neural deficit was found also at the cases of Harrington rod instrumentation (11 cases, 52%). We have analysed the results of these treatment and obtained following conclusions. 1. For the unstable fracture and fracture-dislocation of thoraco-lumbar spine with or without neural involvement, immediate surgical treatments were valuable to expect restoration of anatomical reduction and promotion of every possible recovery of neural function with spinal stability and fewest complication. 2. Fixation with Harrington rod instrumentation appears to provide better reduction and stability with neural improvement than other methods, and therefore early undertaking of rehabilitation activities is possible. 3. For the patients who are seriously compromised or require anterior decompression, immediate posterior reduction and fixation with Harrington rod instrumentation followed anterior decompression and anterior fusion of the involved segments at the eariest feasible time, we feel, is the treatment of choice.