Clinical Results of Segmental spinal instrumentation in Unstable Fracture and Fracture - Dislocation of the Thoracolumbar Spine

Choi, Chang Uk; Choi, Hee Soo; Kwon, Jae Wook; Kim, Young Ho; Song, Joon Min; Moon, Dou Hyun

Abstract

Segmental Spinal Instrumentation (S.S.I.) is considered to the effective operative procedure in unstable fracture and fracture-dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine, providing improved correction effect, high rate of fusion and immediate rigid fixation which obviates the need for postoperative immobilization. Retrospective study was carried out of 24 cases of fracture or fracture-dislication of the thoracolumbar spine, There were treated with Harrington rod instrumentation and sublaminar wiring (8 cases) and Luque rod instrumentatiom and sublaminar wiring (16 cases) in Soonchnhyang University, from January 1986 to June 1988. We have analyzed the results of treatment, which were as follows ; 1. Thoracolumbar junction (T12 Ll) was most commomly involved segment (63%) and falling from a height was most common cause of injuries. 2. The most common type by Denis classification was burst fracture (38%). 3. About improvement of neurologic status by injury site and type of instrumentation, thoracolumbar junction (38.5%) and lumbar spine (35%) were better prognosis than thoracic spine (8.75%). 4. In commparison with kyphotic deformity and displacement, Harrington rod (66.4%) was better than Luque rod (58.9%) in postoperative correction. Also in total correction, Harrington rod was better than Luque rod in spite of more or less large amount of loss of correction. words : Thoracolumbar spine, Unstable fracture-dislocation, Segmental spinal instrumentation (S.S.I.)