The results of treatment of sixteen patients with unstable thoracolumbar
spinal injuries are recorded. Early open reduction, stabilization with
Harrington rods, spine fusion, application of a plaster jacket until
consolidation, and early mobilization was the treatment. Distraction rods
were used in twelve patients and compression rods, in four. Nine patients
with incomplete paraplegia showed marked neurological recovery, while five
with complete paraplegia regained only some sensation. Two patients had no
neurological involvement. Solid fusion was achieved in fifteen patients
after a minimum of three months of plaster-cast immobilization. In one
patient stabilization failed. There was a loss of 5 degrees on average
(range, 2 to 23 degrees) in the correction of the kyphosis. Lateral
angulation after surgery did not occur. The treatment allowed easier
postoperative nursing and early mobilization of the patient.