A case of closed isolated medial subtalar dislocation / Un caso de luxación subastragalina medial aislada y cerrada

Introduction: Closed isolated subtalar dislocations are very rare and major cause of subtalar dislocation remains to be road traffic accidents. Objective: Identify isolated medial subtalar closed dislocations and their forms a management. Presentation of case: 22-year-old male sustained road traffic accident following which he had deformed foot with inability to bear weight. On evaluation he was found to have medial subtalar dislocation reduced with manual traction. One year follow up showed, no residual deformity or pain and had very good functional outcome. Conclusions: It is of great importance to identify the difference between medial subluxation or dislocation and medial swivel injury which have different mechanisms as well as different reduction maneuvers(AU)

Introducción: Las luxaciones subastragalinares aisladas cerradas son muy raras y la principal causa de luxación subastragalina resultan los accidentes de tráfico. Objetivo: Identificar las luxaciones cerradas subastragalina medial aisladas y su tratamiento. Presentación del caso: Un paciente hombre de 22 años sufrió un accidente de tránsito tras el cual quedó deformado el pie sin poder soportar peso. En la evaluación se encontró la luxación subastragalina medial que se redujo con tracción manual. El seguimiento al año no mostró deformidad residual ni dolor y tuvo muy buen resultado funcional. Conclusiones: Es de gran importancia identificar la diferencia entre subluxación o luxación medial y lesión por giro medial, las cuales tienen diferentes mecanismos, así como diferentes maniobras de reducción(AU)

Preoperative estimation of humerus intramedullary nail length using clinical landmarks.

PURPOSE: Intramedullary interlocking nailing is one of the accepted methods of treating humerus diaphyseal fractures. Appropriate nail length and diameter are of paramount importance to achieve a stable fracture fixation. Estimating the nail length can be as challenging in certain cases as it is important. This study aims to provide an easy-to-use formula utilizing clinical measurements from contra lateral arm to accurately estimate humeral nail length. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore, India. Patients above the age of 18 years coming to the outpatient department with elbow, shoulder or arm complaints requiring radiological investigation from July 2021 to July 2022 were included. Patients with fractures or dislocations of upper limbs, malunited or non-united fractures of upper limbs, congenital or developmental deformities and patients with open growth plates were excluded. Patients' variables (like age and gender), radiological humerus length and contralateral arm clinical measurements were recorded. An independent samples t-test was used for univariate analysis, and linear regression analysis was done to estimate the desired nail length using the clinical measurement of the humerus (cm) in both genders separately. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Our study included 204 participants of which 108 were male and 96 were female. The formula for predicting humeral nail length in males is (-2.029) + (0.883 × clinical measurement). The formula for females is 1.862 + (0.741 × clinical measurement). A simplified formula to determine humeral nail length is 0.9 clinical length - 2 cm (in males) and 0.7 × clinical length + 2 cm (in females). CONCLUSION: To improve the stability of fixation with intramedullary nails it is imperative to select the appropriate nail length. There have been studies that devised reliable methods of determining nail lengths in the tibia and femur using preoperative clinical measurements. A similar clinical method of determining humeral nail length is lacking in the literature. Our study was able to correlate radiological lengths of the humerus medullary canal with clinical measurements performed using anatomical landmarks to arrive at a formula. This allows for a reliable and easy nail length determination preoperatively.

Floating hip injury managed in a single stage with good outcome

Introduction: The term floating hip is used to denote a fracture pattern involving fracture of pelvis or acetabulum and ipsilateral femur. These injuries are seen as a result of high velocity trauma. Objective: Our objective was to highlight the usefulness of single stage surgery using a common incision, the order of fracture fixation, in lateral decubitus position for type B floating hip injuries. Case report: A 58-year-old male, was brought presented to our emergency department with pain, swelling, deformity of right lower limb following a road traffic accident. On primary examination, patient was in hypovolemic shock. Imaging revealed the right posterior column and posterior wall of acetabulum with ipsilateral diaphyseal femur fracture. After stabilizing the patient, we operated on him in a single stage in lateral decubitus position, in which we fixed the femur first followed by acetabulum. Conclusion: Single stage fixation in lateral decubitus position after adequate resuscitation and evaluation can offer a good outcome by reducing the operative time and post- operative complications.

Introducción: El término cadera flotante se utiliza para denotar un patrón de fractura que implica fractura de pelvis o acetábulo y fémur ipsilateral. Estas lesiones se ven como resultado de un trauma a alta velocidad. Objetivo: Destacar la utilidad de la cirugía de una sola etapa mediante una incisión común, el orden de fijación de la fractura en decúbito lateral para lesiones de cadera flotante tipo B. Informe de caso: Un varón de 58 años fue llevado a nuestro servicio de urgencias con dolor, hinchazón, deformidad del miembro inferior derecho después de un accidente de tráfico. En el examen primario, el paciente estaba en shock hipovolémico. Las imágenes revelaron la columna posterior derecha y la pared posterior del acetábulo con fractura ipsilateral diafisaria del fémur. Después de estabilizar al paciente, se operó en una sola etapa en posición decúbito lateral, en la que primero se fijó el fémur seguido del acetábulo. Conclusión: La fijación de un solo estadio en posición decúbito lateral después de una reanimación y evaluación adecuadas puede ofrecer un buen resultado al reducir el tiempo de operación y las complicaciones postoperatorias.

A comparative analysis of distal locked and unlocked long proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-II) in the fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures.

PURPOSE: Long proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-II) is a preferred implant in recent years for fixation of pertrochanteric fractures, especially in osteoporotic patients. The purpose of this study is to prospectively investigate the effect of distal locking in long PFNA-II fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: A total of 58 patients with isolated stable intertrochanteric fractures and treated in our hospital during the study period of 2017-2019 by distal locked or unlocked long PFNA-II fixation were included in this study. Patients who had multiple injuries or open fractures were excluded. There were 40 female and 18 male patients, with 33 affecting the left side and 25 the right side. Of them, 31 belonged to the distal locked group (group A) and 27 to the unlocked group (group B). Surgical procedures and implants used in both groups were similar except for the distal locking of the nails. General data (age, gender, fracture side, etc.) showed no significant difference between two groups (all p > 0.05). The intraoperative parameters like operative time, radiation exposure and follow-up parameters like functional and radiological outcomes were recorded and compared. Statistical tests like the independent samples t-test Fischer's exact and Chi-square test were used to analyze association. RESULTS: The distribution of the fractures according to AO/OTA classification and 31A1.2 type of intertrochanteric fractures were most common in our study. All the included fractures united and the average functional outcome in both groups were good and comparable at the end of one year. The operative time (mL, 107.1 ± 12.6 vs. 77.0 ± 12.0, p < 0.001) and radiation exposure (s, 78.6 ± 11.0 vs. 40.3 ± 9.3, p < 0.001) were significantly less among the patients in group B. Fracture consolidation, three months after the operative procedures, was seen in a significantly greater proportion of patients in group B (92.6% vs. 67.7%, p = 0.025). Hardware irritation because of distal locking bolt was exclusively seen in group A, however this was not statistically significant (p = 0.241). CONCLUSION: We conclude that, in fixation of stable intertrochanteric fractures by long PFNA-II nail, distal locking not only increases the operative time and radiation exposure but also delays the fracture consolidation and increases the chances of hardware irritation, and hence is not required.

Case of bilateral hip joint Charcot arthropathy in a paediatric patient.

An adolescent girl came with swelling of both thighs with difficulty in walking for a few months. Based on clinical, and radiological evaluation and nerve conduction studies, she was diagnosed to be having bilateral hips Charcot's arthropathy due to hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type 4. Other common causes of Charcot arthropathy were ruled out. The patient was conservatively managed and parents were educated about preventive measures. Through this case report, we want to highlight the myriad number of manifestations and clinical presentations of a child presenting with hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type 4.

Clinical profile of patients with inter vertebral disc disorders / clínica de pacientes con trastornos de los discos intervertebrales

Introduction: Intervertebral disc disorders (IDDs) are being commonly observed nowadays among the young and middle aged population. Objectives: This hospital record based study was done to study the risk factors, clinical presentation, imaging findings and management practices among patients with all types of IDDs. Methods: A validated proforma was used to obtain information of patients confirmed with IDDs over the past three years. Results: Mean age at onset of disc disorders among the 219 patients was 44.7±14.2 years. History of poor exercising habits were present among 72(32.9 percent) patients. The most common site of disc involvement was L4-L5 [151(68.9 percent)]. 143(65.3 percent) patients had single site disc involvement. The most common clinical symptom was lower back pain [180(82.2 percent)]. Nerve root compression was present among 154(70.3 percent) patients. Disc bulge, protrusion, extrusion and sequestration were present among 116(53 percent), 90(41.1 percent), 52(23.7 percent) and 4(1.8 percent) patients respectively. Age at onset >65 years (p=0.035), age at onset ≤55 years (p=0.004) and history of direct impact to the neck region (p=0.017) were associated with disc prolapse at L2-L3 level, L4-L5 level and C5-C6 level respectively, among patients with single site disc involvement. Risk of multiple level disc involvement was found to increase after 35 years (p<0.001). It was seen more involving cervical vertebrae (p=0.0068). Lumbar (p<0.0001) and lumbosacral vertebrae (p<0.0001) involvement were seenmore among patients with single site disc involvement. NSAIDs [155(70.8 percent)] were the most the commonly used medication. Microdiscectomy was done among 35(76.1 percent) out of the 46 patients who underwent surgical management. Conclusions: Exercising habits need to be encouraged among people for the prevention of IDDs. The various high risk groups identified in this study need to be periodically screened for IDDs(AU)

Introducción: Actualmente, los trastornos de los discos intervertebrales (TDI) son frecuentes en la población joven y de mediana edad. Objetivos: Este estudio hospitalario de las historias clínicas se realizó para examinar los factores de riesgo, la presentación clínica, los hallazgos imagenológicos y las prácticas de tratamiento entre los pacientes con todos los tipos de trastornos de los discos intervertebrales. Métodos: Se utilizó una proforma validada para obtener información de los pacientes confirmados con trastornos de los discos intervertebrales en los últimos tres años. Resultados: La edad media de aparición de los trastornos discales entre los 219 pacientes fue de 44,7 ± 14,2 años. El historial de malos hábitos de ejercicio estuvo presente en 72 (32,9 por ciento) pacientes. El sitio más común de afectación del disco fue L4-L5 [151 (68,9 por ciento)]. 143 (65,3 por ciento) pacientes tenían compromiso de disco en un solo sitio. El síntoma clínico más frecuente fue el dolor lumbar [180(82,2 por ciento)]. La compresión de la raíz nerviosa estuvo presente en 154 (70,3 por ciento) pacientes. Se mostró presencia de protuberancia, protrusión, extrusión y secuestro discal en 116 (53 por ciento), 90 (41,1 por ciento), 52 (23,7 por ciento) y 4 (1,8 por ciento) pacientes, respectivamente. La edad de inicio >65 años (p=0,035), la edad de inicio ≤55 años (p=0,004) y el antecedente de impacto directo en la región del cuello (p=0,017) se asociaron con prolapso discal a nivel L2-L3, L4- Nivel L5 y nivel C5-C6 respectivamente, entre pacientes con compromiso discal en un solo sitio. Se encontró que el riesgo de afectación del disco en múltiples niveles aumenta después de 35 años (p<0,001). Se vio más involucradas las vértebras cervicales (p=0,0068). La afectación de las vértebras lumbares (p<0,0001) y lumbosacras (p<0,0001) se observó más entre los pacientes con afectación del disco en un solo sitio. Los fármacos anti-inflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) [155 (70,8 por ciento)] fueron los medicamentos más utilizados. La microdiscectomía se realizó en 35 (76,1 por ciento) de los 46 pacientes que se sometieron a manejo quirúrgico. Conclusiones: Es necesario fomentar hábitos de ejercicio entre las personas para la prevención de los TDI. Los diversos grupos de alto riesgo identificados en este estudio deben someterse a pruebas periódicas de IDD(AU)

"Screw First" Technique to Get Past Nail-Jig Mismatch in Proximal Femoral Nailing.

Proximal femoral nailing is the gold standard of surgical treatment for unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures. One of the intraoperative complications encountered in this procedure is the nail-jig mismatch due to causes such as manufacturing errors and fatigue deformation of sleeves or jig. Nail-jig mismatch leads to eccentric placement of guidewire within the screw slots of PFN and subsequent difficulty in reaming and screw insertion. The potential complications of this include guide wire deformation, breakage, nail damage and screw malposition. We propose a simple and effective technique to tackle this complication, called as "Screw first" technique. The principle of this technique is to utilize screws as guide wire sleeves to effectively centralize the guidewire position within nail slots. On identifying a mismatch by the eccentric position of guidewire, a long screw is first inserted partially till its shaft engages into the screw slot allowing subsequent insertion of a guidewire which assumes a centralized position, thus bypassing the mismatch of jig. Following this, the usual steps of reaming and final screw insertion are undertaken. This method is effective, simple, quick and requires no special instrumentation.

Neurogenic heterotopic ossificans of hips in a case of expanded dengue syndrome following critical illness polyneuropathy.

We present a case of 71-year-old man with bilateral hip neurogenic heterotopic ossificans following critical illness polyneuropathy as a complication of expanded dengue syndrome. His left hip was stiff and showed a circumferential ossific mass. After initial medical management, the patient underwent excision of ossific mass using posterior approach. For adequate excision, femoral head and neck were resected and a hybrid total hip arthroplasty was performed. The patient was followed up for 2 years and showed good clinical outcome without recurrence of heterotopic ossification. This case highlights the rare aetiology of neurogenic heterotopic ossification which is critical illness polyneuropathy following expanded dengue syndrome. It highlights that adequate resection and a total hip arthroplasty can be a viable option in selected cases of circumferential heterotopic ossification in old individuals.

Comparison of Posterior and Lateral Surface Plating for Type B Weber Lateral Malleoli Fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcomes, radiological outcomes, complication rates, and hardware removal between lateral and posterior surface plating in isolated type B Weber lateral malleolus fractures. METHODS: It was a retrospective study that compared the outcomes of type B Weber lateral malleoli fractures treated by either lateral surface or posterior surface plating. Radiological and functional outcomes were assessed at regular intervals. The follow-up details and the complications and need for implant removal were collected from the hospital records. RESULTS: Our study included 60 patients (male-35 and female-25). The mean age was 41.7 ± 10.5 years. In all, 28 (46.7%) patients received lateral surface plating and 32 (53.3%) patients received posterior surface plating. The mean time gap between the injury and the surgery was significantly more among patients who underwent lateral plate insertion (P < .001). The mean operative time required for both the procedures was comparable, hence nonsignificant (P = .576). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) after 2 years of operation was significantly higher for posterior plate insertion (P = .014). The complication rates as well as the implant removal rates were higher in patients with lateral plating (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Posterior surface plating can be considered as the procedure of choice for isolated type B Weber lateral malleolus fractures with respect to better functional outcome, lesser complications rates, and need for implant removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Economic/decision.

Neglected Broken Femoral Intramedullary Nail Resulting in an Urethrocutaneous Fistula.

A femur fracture is one of the most commonly encountered fractures by orthopaedicians worldwide. Being one of the longest and strongest bones in the body, it is one of the principal load-bearing bones of the lower extremity. Various modalities of fixation have been tried and tested for femur fracture but the most accepted fixation modality for diaphyseal femur fracture worldwide is the interlocking intramedullary nailing. However, intramedullary nailing is not free of any complications. Complications such as infection, non-union, malunion, limb length discrepancy due to wrong size nail, screw or nail breakage, and injury to neurovascular structures while passing guidewire or drilling for the interlocking bolt are commonly reported. We report a case of a patient who presented with a neglected broken femoral nail which resulted in an urethrocutaneous fistula. As per our literature review, this complication has never been reported before.

Clinical and Radiological Outcome of Complex Proximal Tibia Fractures Managed with Hybrid/Ilizarov Fixator with or without Minimal Internal Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Complex high grade proximal tibia fractures with associated extensive soft tissue injury pose a management challenge. The timing of surgery and fracture fixation options depend upon the extent of soft tissue damage. Post-operative complications such as wound breakdown, infection and infected non-union are common in such cases managed early with open reduction and internal fixation. Such fractures can be treated with primary closed reduction and Ilizarov/hybrid fixator application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective cross sectional study conducted at two tertiary care multispecialty hospitals to report the mid-term clinical and radiological outcomes of complex high grade proximal tibia fractures. These injuries were managed by closed reduction and external fixation with/without minimal internal fixation as a definitive procedure and outcome measures were checked with serial radiographs and functional scores at a regular interval of follow up. 17 patients with Schatzker's type 5 or 6 proximal tibia fractures with soft tissue compromise were operated on at two tertiary care referral centres from 2017 to 2019. These cases were operated on by two experienced trauma surgeons. Periodic follow-up was done and radiological and functional progression noted from case records. RESULTS: Average time to union was noted to be 12.59 weeks and mean time of fixator removal was 21.4 weeks. At the end of 1 year of follow-up, average range of motion was 121.76 degrees, average WOMAC score was 74.81(63-82) and KOOS score was 78.24(63-85). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Hybrid/Ilizarov fixator method is a safe way of fixing high energy proximal tibia fractures. It is associated with a good functional outcome, less soft tissue complications and allows early weight bearing. 2. We recommend this method of treatment for complex high grade proximal tibia fractures.

A comparative study of operative and conservative treatment of intraarticular displaced calcaneal fractures.

The treatment of intra-articular displaced calcaneal fracture is debatable. We conducted a prospective study to compare operative and non-operative treatment for intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the treatment given (operative and nonoperative) and were regularly followed for a period of 1 year. The outcome measures were assessed by Modified Rowe's Score (MRS), Visual Analogue e Scale (VAS) and The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. The outcome related to patient's job was noted after one year and compared with pre-injury status. Fifty five patients with 61 calcaneal fractures were studied. Thirty of them were operated and 31 were treated conservatively. Out of 30 operated cases, Bohler's angle was restored in 25 cases and these had good results with all three outcome scores at 1 year follow up and remaining 5 cases showed fair results (Mean MRS: 74.783, VAS: 3.348, AOFAS: 78.783). Thirty one cases treated with cast also showed fair results (Mean MRS: 57.368, VAS: 4.944, AOFAS: 71.211). The overall outcome of operated cases were better than non-operated cases (unpaired T test MRS: 5.807 p < 0.001, VAS: 4.387 p < 0.001, AOFAS: 2.728 p = 0.008) . Operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures gave good results at one year follow up, provided Bohler's angle was restored to normal range. Non operative treatment gave fair results. Complications were seen both with operative and non-operative treatment.

Post-traumatic bilateral posterior hip dislocations with femoral head fracture on one side and acetabular fracture on the other side: a very rare presentation.

Hip dislocations are common orthopaedic emergencies which need early intervention to have a better outcome. They usually occur as a result of high energy trauma with motor vehicle accidents being the most common cause followed by fall from height. Posterior hip dislocation is more common than anterior. However, bilateral hip dislocations are rare compared with unilateral. Here we report our case with bilateral posterior hip dislocation with one side having head of femur fracture and contralateral side acetabulum fracture. Both hips were reduced under general anaesthesia on the same day of the trauma. Staged definitive treatment was carried out. The patient had an early recovery with no complications. This case represents an unusual, type of injury resulting from a high speed motor vehicle accident. Early diagnosis, immediate resuscitation and reduction of the hip joints followed by a careful and planned definitive treatment is necessary to have a better outcome.

Correlation between tibial nail length and olecrenon to 5th metacarpal head measurement: An anthropometric study.

PURPOSE: During fracture fixation, the size of tibial nail is a vital factor affecting the outcomes and thus preoperative estimation of tibial nail length is very important. This study aims to find out whether "olecranon to 5th metacarpal head" (O-MH) measurement can be used to reliably predict the tibial nail length. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study involving 100 volunteers. Measurements were done and recorded by two observers on two separate occasions. Tibial nail length estimation measurement was done from highest point of tibial tuberosity to the tip of the medial malleolus (TT-MM). O-MH measurement was taken from tip of olecranon to the tip of 5th metacarpal head with wrist in neutral position and hand clenched. Statistical analysis was done to find out correlation between two measurements and influence of age, gender and body mass index on them. RESULTS: Paired t-test showed no systematic error between the readings. Intraclass correlation coefficient showed strong agreement in inter and intra observer settings. Strong correlation was found between the TT-MM & O-MH measurements using Pearson's correlation coefficient test (r = 0.966). Hierarchical regression analysis showed age, gender and BMI have no statistically significant bearings on these measurements and their correlations. CONCLUSION: O-MH measurement is a useful and accurate means of estimating tibial nail length preoperatively.

Isolated Radiopalmar Dislocation of Fifth Carpometacarpal Joint: A Rare Presentation.

Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint dislocations are uncommon injuries that account for less than 1% of hand injuries. Dorsal dislocations of the CMC joints are more frequent than volar dislocations. Palmar dislocations can be either ulnopalmar or radiopalmar. There are very few reports of isolated radiopalmar dislocations of the fifth CMC joint in the English-language literature. In our case of radiopalmar dislocation, diagnosis was delayed, and attempts at closed reduction were unsuccessful. Therefore, it was treated by open reduction and Kirschner-wire fixation. This article reports a rare type of injury and discusses its management.

A Comparison of Functional Outcomes After Metallic and Bioabsorbable Interference Screw Fixations in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstructions.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is as one of the most frequently injured ligaments in the modern contact sports scenario. Graft fixations can be achieved during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions by using either bioabsorbable screws or metal screws. The objective of this study was to compare the functional outcomes after bioabsorbable and metallic interference screw fixations in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions done by using hamstring grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized study. Patients in Group 1 received bioabsorbable interference screws and patients in Group 2 received metallic interference screws. Arthroscopic assisted, anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with the use of hamstring grafts which were fixed proximally with endobuttons and distally with bioabsorbable or metallic interference screws, were undertaken. Progress in functional outcomes was assessed by using Mann Whitney U- test. Functional outcomes in the two groups were compared by using independent t-test. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: In each group, there were statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes over successive follow-ups, which were seen on basis on Mann-Whitney U-test. The comparison of functional outcomes between the two groups, done by using independent t-test, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year of follow-up. p-value <0.05 was considered to be significant in our study. CONCLUSION: In our prospective study of comparison of functional outcomes between bioabsorbable and metallic interference screws in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstuctions, which were evaluated by using Tegner activity scale and Lysholm knee scoring scale for a period of 1 year, no statistically significant difference was found. However, further authentication is required by doing long term studies.

Bilateral pathological subluxation of hips secondary to tuberculosis in an adult: a rare presentation.

Clinical descriptions of tuberculosis date back to antiquity. Extra-pulmonary involvement is noted in approximately 14% of patients, with 1% to 8% having osseous disease. In literature, some cases of bilateral traumatic dislocations have been described, but reports on bilateral pathological subluxations or dislocations of hip joints, that too in adults, are extremely rare. Tuberculosis can present in myriad ways and it can mimic any disease. The sole purpose of writing this article was to report one of the extremely rare presentations of skeletal tuberculosis.

Giant cell tumour of the distal humerus: a case report.

Giant cell tumour of the distal humerus is rare. We report one such case in a 30-year-old man who underwent wide resection of the tumour followed by total elbow arthroplasty using a cemented 'sloppy-hinged' total elbow prosthesis. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient had pain-free range of motion of 15º to 120º and no evidence of recurrence.

Management of Unstable Thoraco-Lumbar Fractures with Pedicular Screw Instrumentation: A Series of 30 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma to spine is one of the grave injuries. They cause infinite morbidity and disability to the patient. Lately consensus is evolving across the world for stabilization of unstable spines with fusion and instrumentation even though most authors agree that neurological recovery is independent of treatment modality. Objectives of this study are to evaluate effectiveness of spinal stabilization with pedicular instrumentation in the management of thoraco-lumbar fractures to restore structural stability, early ambulation and improving neurological status of the patient Material and Methods: During the period from October 2009 to September 2010, 33 cases of thoraco-lumbar spine fractures were treated operatively with posterior decompression and pedicular screw instrumentation. Of these, 3 cases were lost to follow up. Hence the results of 30 cases were evaluated. All patients were treated by posterior decompression and pedicular screw instrumentation. Neurological and radiological parameters were assessed during serial follow-ups. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 11 months. Of the 30 patients 24 showed neurological improvement by at least 1 grade and average grade of improvement was 1.5 grades. Mean pre-operative sagittal angle (SA) was 19.9 degrees and sagittal index (SI) was 0.54. Mean post-operative SA was 9.3 degrees and SI was 0.72. Mean SA and SI during the final follow-up were 10.9 degrees and 0.69 respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Neurological recovery and maintenance of radiological correction in our study were comparable to other studies. The results in our short series of 30 cases have been encouraging. But there is need for more cases and longer follow-ups to come to categorical conclusion.