Abstract
Thirtyfive patient with unstable fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine managed uniformly with Hartshill fixation and sublaminar wiring were analyzed. On admission, 18 patients had complete neurologic deficit and 17 had incomplete lesions. The neurologic recovery and functional activities were assessed after an average follow up for 20.4 months. Improvement of neural function was seen in 71 % patients. Positive correlation was found between the level of injury and Frankel grades. The cord lesions tended to demonstrate more severe neurologic deficit than cauda equina lesions. A component of dislocation to the injury also resulted in a more severe neural deficit. The complications were minor. Stable fixation of thoracolumbar spine fractures was helpful in decreasing hospital stay and recumbency period, thereby facilitating early rehabilitation of the spine injured patients.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
