UNSTABLE SPINAL FRACTURES
Abstract
We present a stretegy for the treatment of patients with spinal injuries in a General Hospital. This strategy was followed in three consecutive patients and comprised of the following stages: 1) Reduction of the lesion and stabilization of the general condition of the patient. 2) Treatment of the patient on a rolating bed. 3) Early short spinal fusion and instrumentation at 4 or 6 levels. 4) Mobilization of the patient. 5) Referral to a rehabilitation center. Ιn both patients with spinal cord injury we noticed an improvement of the neurological status. The only complication observed was the developement of ectopic ossification in the quadriceps muscle of the paraplegic patient.References
Bohlman ΗΗ Treatment of fractures and dislocation of the troracic and lumbar spine. J. Bone Jaint Surgery 1985, 67 -Α: 165-169.
Holdsworth FW, Hardy Α. Early treatment of paraplegia from fractures of the thoraco-lumbar spine. J. Bone Joιnt Surgery 1953, 35-Β : 540-550.
Rogers WA Treatment of fracture-dislocations of the Cervical spine. J. Bone Joint Surgery 1942, 24: 245.
Holdsworth FW. Fractures, Dislocations and Fracture-Dislocations of the Spine. J. Bone Joint Surgery 1970, 52-Α: 1533-1551.
Flesh JR, Erickson DL, Clou SN, Bradford DS. Harrighton Ιnstrumentation for Unstable Fractures and Fracture-Dislocations of the Thorasιc and Lumbar Spine. J. Bone Joint Surgery 1977, 59-Α: 143-153.
Mc Afee PC, Bohlman HH, Yuan HA. Anterior decompression of Traumatic. Thoracolumbar Fractures with lncomplete Neurological Deficit using a Retroperitoneal Approach. J. Bone Joint Surgery 1985, 67-Α: 89-104.
Fractures in Adults. Vol. 2. Second edition. Rockwood C.A. and Green D.P. Lippincott Philadelphia, 1984, 1001-1031.
