Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures
Jelsma, R.K.; Kirsch, P.T.; Jelsma, L.F.; Ramsey, W.C.; Rice, J.F.
Surgical Neurology 18(3): 156-166
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-3019 PMID: 7179068 Document Number: 191455
Patients (50) with thoracolumbar fractures were operated on because of neural compression, instability or risk of delayed neural injury. The reduction obtained from placement of Harrington rods relieved neural compression in most dislocations and in some burst and wedge fractures. Anterior decompression was reserved for cases in which intraoperative myelography (or direct inspection prior to 1979) demonstrated persistent compression after reduction with Harrington rods. The neurological recovery obtained with this surgical treatment is described; it was superior to that reported with postural treatment in which no active attempt is made to define and relieve neural compression.