[Surgical stabilization of fractures and dislocations of the spine]

Observing the results of surgical treatment in 84 patients (64 males and 20 females) it was noted that stability of the cervical spine with a damaged posterior column could be achieved by using a coticospongious graft wedged in between the vertebral bodies. Unstable fractures of the thoracaic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine are best treated with a transpedicular stabilization system, involving application of either rods or plates onto the vertebral bodies. When using transpedicular screws, stability is achieved when screws are of the right size, are properly implanted into the pedicles and the rods are linked by transverse connectors (forming a 3D construction). Reconstruction of the anterior column by using bone graft or titanium baskets is of crucial importance.