Exploration of approach in surgery for cervical hyperextension injury

Abstract

To explore the reasonable approach in surgery for cervical hyperextension injury. Sixty-seven patients of hyperextension injury of cervical spine, 31 males and 16 females, aged 41 approximately 57, underwent surgery via anterior approach (n = 25), posterior approach (n = 27), or combined approach (n = 13) according to the different operation methods 8 days (3 days approximately 3 weeks) after the injury and then followed up for 6 approximately 12 months. The therapeutic effects were compared. After the operation, the Frankel grade was ascended in all patients of the anterior approach group, and was descended in some patients in the posterior approach and combined approach groups. The ASIA grade of the anterior approach and combined approach groups were both ascended in comparison with that of the posterior approach group (both P < 0.05) however, there was not significant difference between the anterior approach and combined approach groups. Anterior decompression-graft-internal fixation is the preferred consideration to treat hyperextension injury of cervical spine, and posterior one is only the secondary choice. Combined approach should be strictly selected according to the concrete situation.