ABSTRACT
The results of treatment of spondylolisthesis in 72 patients by reduction with the use of Harrington rods and circumferential fusion were reported. In dysplastic spondylolisthesis 75% satisfactory results and 83.4% spinal fusions were achieved, in stenotic spondylolistheses 80% and 85% respectively. The influence of operation on sacral bone position against lumbar spine could not be accurately traced with the aid of Wiltse radiological criteria. The authors consider arthrodesis "in situ" as insufficient procedure, especially in dysplastic type of spondylolisthesis. They recommend addition of anterior fusion that retains and stabilizes reduction being limited to single motoric unit of the spine.
Subject(s)
Spinal Fusion/methods , Spondylolisthesis/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Humans , Internal Fixators , Middle Aged , Radiography , Reoperation , Spondylolisthesis/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
An evaluation of treatment results of unstable spine fractures using the Harrington instruments in 37 patients has been performed. The described method can result in anatomical restoration of the vertebral canal. If vertebral canal lumen is not restored, anterior decompression should be performed making possible removal of posteriorly dislocated bone fragments. The earlier anterior decompression, the greater chance of improvement of neurological conditions. The described procedure is especially useful in fractures with partial palsy. After treatment 70 per cent of the patients with partial palsy resumed their normal lives.