Operative methods for cervical hyperextension injuries / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore rational operative methods to treat hyperextension injuries of cervical spine. Methods 47 cases of hyperextension injury of cervical spine were treated in our department from September, 2000 to October, 2004. They were followed up and analyzed retrospectively. According to the operative methods, there were 3 groups: anterior approach, posterior approach, combined approach. Their therapeutic effects were compared respectively. Results After follow- ups for 6 to 12 months, preoperative and postoperative Frankel classifications and ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) grades were compared between the 3 groups. It was found that neural function improved significantly in the 3 groups after operation. The anterior approach and combined approach groups had significantly better outcome in neural function than the posterior approach group ( P0.05) . Conclusions Anterior decompression- graft- internal fixation is the preferred consideration to treat hyperextension injury of cervical spine, and the posterior approach is only the secondary choice. The combined approach should be carefully selected under appropriate conditions