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ALICI SPINAL INSTRUMENTATION IN THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF THORACOLUMBAR FRACTURES OF THE SPINE

  • ALICI E.
  • PINAR H.
  • AKÇALI Ö.

J Turk Spinal Surg 1991;2(3):100-103

43 patients with thoracolumbar fractures ofthe spine were treated betvveen 1989 and 1991. The number of frac-tured vertebrae were 52. The levels of fractures were between T6 and L3. There were 4 burst fractures, 43 com-pression fractures and 5 fracture-dislocations. 28 patients had preoperative CT seans. The patients were operated within three hours to one month of the injury. Indications for surgery were neurological findings and instability. The surgical treatment consisted of distraetion and reduetion by means of Alıcı hooks, transpedicular screws and rods. The follow up was average 16.2 months. (Range 6 to 28 months). At follow-up examination 5 patients in Frankel A remained unehanged. 2 Frankel B patients improved to Grade C and 2 remained unehanged. 3 Grade C patients improved to D and 1 remained unehanged. 3 of 5 Grade D patients improved to E and 2 remained unehanged. 25 patients did not have neurological deficits pre and postoperatively. There were three complications: 1 superficial infeetion, 2 implant faiiures.