title: Comparative study of different dorsal stabilization techniques in recent thoraco-lumbar spine fractures.
abstract: The authors initially outline the development of operative techniques to stabilize traumatic thoraco-lumbar spine fractures. Thereafter their own results in 125 patients, treated operatively between 1.1.1983 and 15.9.1988, are presented. The different techniques (Harrington-instrumentation, transpedicular plate stabilization, fixateur interne) are evaluated. In the clinical neurological examination 25% of the patients experienced an improvement by at least one point in the FRANKEL classification. Four patients suffered neurological deterioration. In the radiological follow-up the "Sintering" process, the kyphotic and scoliotic deformity of the spinal segment were measured. The fixateur interne had the best overall results (loss of reposition averaged a kyphosis of 6.8 degrees, no fracture instability). Less good results were obtained with both the Harrington stabilization (loss of reposition 9.1 degrees, fracture instability in 3 cases) and with the transpedicular plate stabilization (loss of reposition 12.4 degrees, fracture instability in 2 cases). Finally the complications are described. The optimal approach is based on the clinical development. The fusion should be as short as possible with a stable angle implant and the possibility to reposition intraoperatively should be given. Postero-lateral spongiosa application, fusion of the vertebral arch joints, diskectomy with transpedicular spongiosa application and intercorporal blocking should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Neurochirurgische Universitätsklinik Giessen, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eysel
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meinig
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000601:surgery; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000293:injuries; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery