Stabilization of thoracic and thoracolumbar fracture-dislocations with Harrington rods and sublaminar wires.
Seventeen unstable thoracic and thoracolumbar fracture-dislocations have been treated by Harrington double-distraction rod technique supplemented by doubled 18-gauge stainless-steel wires applied to two intact laminae above and below the injury. Fourteen of the 17 cases were grossly comminuted and translated beyond 50% of the width of the spinal column. No external bracing was used in the 13 patients with neurologic deficits. At the time of follow-up examinations (greater than 22 months in all patients) there was no loss of reduction or fixation in any patient. Solid fusion was achieved in all patients.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*