The Care of Patients with Paralysis Caused by Thoracic , Thoraco - Lumbar , Lumbar Spine Injuries

Kim, Nam Hyun; Kim, Dong Wook

Abstract

In recent years, the rate of the spine fracture tends to be on the increase year by year as rate of traffic and industrial accidents are increased. 111 patients with paralysis caused by thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar spine injuries were evaluated from January, 1979 to December, 1988 in our study. 1. In patients with paralysis caused by thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar spine injuries, most common site of injuries was "thoracolumbar junction" (47.7%) and most common cause was "fall down" (48.7% ). 2. "Burst fracture" was most common type of injuries which were classified by 3-column concept according to Denis & McAfee(52.3%) 3. In early 1980's the operation was performed with Harrington rod, anterior decompression & AIF, posterior decompression & PIF and from 1984, mainly Luque sublaminar wiring, and in 1988, SSI was commonly used. 4. There was no difference in neural recovery between conservative and operative treatments. 5. There was statistic significance in the incidence of complications between conservative and operative treatments(p <0.05). 6. The more severe neurologic damage at injury, the higher incidence in complication(p<0.05). Therefore, although there was no significant difference in neural recovery between conservative and operative treatments in the care of paralysed patients caused by thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar spine injuries, rigid internal fixation and rapid mobilization can be recommended for decreasing complications by prologed bed rest and active rehabilitation.