Abstract

The radiographic result was assessed in 76 patients with acute unstable fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine admitted during the years 1977-1984, and who were managed by early reduction and stabilization using Harrington distraction rods and a three-segmental posterolateral fusion. The radiographs were analyzed for anterior and posterior heights plus sagittal and frontal widths of the fractured vertebral body and the angles of kyphosis and scoliosis of the spine. All the measurements were made at admission, immediately postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up at least 3 months after removal of the rods, which was done as a routine procedure 6-12 months after the accident. The mean follow-up was 29 months. The posterior height and sagittal width of the vertebral bodies were best restored, whereas the initially well-reduced anterior height and the angle of kyphosis often had returned to values close to those seen on admission. The best anatomic restoration was obtained in rotation-dislocation injuries of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine, and was poorest in burst fractures of the lumbar spine.