Abstract
The spinal traumas are common and leading problem in orthopedic practice. The individuals are at risk of high energy trauma in the modern era and spinal trauma is commonly associated with it. Thoraco-lumbar fractures are serious injuries of concern, if left untreated may result in marked morbidity and disability to the patient.
Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in the Department of Orthopedics in MGM hospital, attached to Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. Twenty adult patients with acute thoracolumbar injuries who gave the consent for surgery admitted during the study period were included as study sample. Patient selections were according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were surgically treated with pedicle screw and rod system.
Results: The most common vertebrae involved in this series were between T11 - L2 to the extent up to 75%. In 75% of the patients, the fractures were reduced by using polyaxial implants and in 25% of the patients both monoaxial and polyaxial implants were used. The average regional angle during pre operative stage was 16.50 ± 5.020 and 4.450 ± 4.150 during 1 year post operative period. There was a significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative regional angles. The advantages are restoration of vertebral body height, mean regional angle, and mean wedge angle in thoracolumbar fractures.
Conclusions: The findings of this study show that pedicle screw-rod instrumentation is the best system used in treatment of vertebral fractures. Neurological recovery was seen significantly when all cases with neurological deficits were clubbed together.
Keywords: Dorso-Lumbar Spinal Injuries, Pedicle Screw and Rod System.
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Corresponding Author
Dr B Viswanath Naik
Associate Professor, Dept of Orthopedics, MGM Hospital, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal,
Telangana state, India