title: Stabilization of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine with the internal spinal skeletal fixation system and a cross-linkage system. First results of treatment.
abstract: Since 1986, 19 patients with 21 fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine have been treated with the AO Internal Spinal Skeletal System. Of these fractures, 17 were burst fractures, 2 were seatbelt fractures and 2 were fracture-dislocations. All the patients in the series had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. There were 4 important losses of correction and two deep infections. In the majority of patients the postoperative reduction deteriorated during follow-up. The addition of 1 or 2 DTT appears to give the system more stability.
authors.affiliation: Hospital of Traumatology, Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marti Garin
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Villanueva Leal
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bago Granell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*