Surgical treatment strategy for cervical spine fracture

Abstract

Objective To review anterior approach, posterior approach and one-stage combined anterior-posterior approach in surgical treatment of cervical spine fracture in terms of clinical outcomes. Methods From January 2004 to January 2008, 151 patients with cervical spine fractures who had been treated in our department were reviewed. The anterior approach was used for 87 cases in disckectomy, sub-total resection of cervical vertebra and decompression, fusion, and titanium plating; the posterior approach was used for 49 cases in laminectomy of cervical vertebra for decompression, reduction, lateral mass fixation with plate and pedicle screws; the combined anterior-posterior approach was used for 15 cases. By ASIA criteria, the spinal injury was rated as degree A in 51 cases, degree B in 40, degree C in 28, degree D in 24 and degree E in 8. Results All patients were followed up for 6 months to 4 years(average, 12.5 months) . Healing was delayed in 2 cases. Reduction and restoration of the stability of cervical spine were satisfactory, and bone fusion was achieved. All patients had recovery of nerve function, though to different extents. At the last follow-up, the spinal injury was rated, by ASIA scores, as degree A in 30 cases, degree B in 24, degree C in 31, degree D in 40 and degree E in 26. The anterior and posterior surgical approaches had better ASIA scores than combined anterior-posterior approach. Conclusions It is important to choose an appropriate approach according to the type of cervical fracture. The anterior, posterior or combined ante-rior-posterior approach should be chosen mainly according to 2 aspects: the compression site of cervical spinal cord and the residual post-traumatic stability of cervical spine. Key words: Cervical vertebrae; Fracture fixation, internal; Surgical approach