ABSTRACT
The study was undertaken to explore the time course of parameters of neuromotor dysfunction in patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures characterized by the varying degrees of neurological symptoms. The study was based on the results of complex neurophysiological testing (global and stimulation electroneuromyography (EMG) in 45 patients with thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures who had been admitted to the "VTO" Russian Research Center without complications. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1) 17 patients without neurological disorders and 2) 28 with mild neurological ones. There was evidence that there were no complicated vertebral injuries. Group 1 patients were found to have steady-state changes in the EMG structure, lower voluntary and involuntary activities (M responses) of the muscles of the hip, leg, and foot, enhanced reflex excitability of leg muscles, EMG signs of spasticity and irritation of segmental radicular structures, long-term asymmetry virtually in all EMG parameters. It was also ascertained that the group of patients with uncomplicated vertebral fractures was represented by individuals having more fitness or those belonging to the so-called "muscular" somato-type. The findings lead to the conclusion that the VTO treatment of vertebrospinal injuries, that is based on the use of a refinement of an external spinal fixation apparatus, creates necessary prerequisites for prevention of further development of neurological deficit and for the optimal course of compensatory-reparative processes in the damaged spinal cord structures.
