Anterior cervical fixation with casper plate and locked screws in trauma patients - a study of thirty patients at Nishtar hospital, Multan

ABSTRACT

To analyze the results of anterior cervical fixation as regards the effective stabilization, immobilization and solid bony fusion in lower cervical spine injuries by the use of one Caspar plate attached with locked screws. This study was carried out in the Department of Neurosurgery, Nishtar Medical College and Hospital, Multan from May 2006 to May 2007. Thirty cases of cervical spine injuries ranging from 10 to 60 years of age excluding patients with firearm injuries, upper cervical spine [C1, C2] injuries and patients who were unfit for general anaesthesia due to associated medical diseases. Anterior cervical spine fixation was performed by Caspar plate attached with locked screws. Total patients studied were thirty in number. Males were 27 [90%] and females were 3 [10%]. 15 [50%] patients had history of fall from a height and out of these 14 [93%] patients nad history of fall from a tree. Most common level of fracture dislocation was C5-C6 inter space. The results showed the supremacy of anterior cervical fixation with Caspar plate and locked screws as regards effective stabilization, early mobilization and solid bony fusion. Anterior cervical fixation with Capsar plate and locked screws is the preferred treatment modality in lower cervical spine injuries