Clinical Analysis of Anterior Fixation with Caspar Plate in Unstable Cervial Spine

ABSTRACT

The authors analyzed 19 cases of unstable cervical spine injuries who had been treated by anterolateral approach with Caspar plate at the department of neurosurgery of Hangang Sacred Heart hospital during 3 years from 1989. The results were as follows 1) The unstable cervical spine injury was most common in 3rd decade of age. Male to female ratio was 3.751. 2) Regarding the level of injury, C5-6 injury was most common. 3) The most common cause of injury was fall down from height(47.4%) and the next was traffic accident(36.8). 4) In all cases received anterior reconstructive surgery using Caspar plate showed significant neurologic improvement. 5) In all cases received anterior reconstructive surgery showed a good restoration of cervical spinal stability. 6) The major surgical complication was esophageal fistula and all complications were treated without any sequelae. 7) Anterior reconstructive surgery using Caspar plate is considered one of the surgical options in patient of cervical spine injury with severe instability.