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Anterior surgery for unstable lower cervical spine injuries
Elias Lambiris1, Panayotis Zouboulis, Minos Tyllianakis
1Orthopaedic Department, University of Patras Medical School, Rion-Patras Greece. lambiris@med.upatras.gr
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|June 5, 2003
Summary
Anterior decompression and stabilization effectively treats lower cervical spine injuries, allowing immediate patient mobilization. This safe surgical approach resulted in successful fusion and improved neurological function in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Lower cervical spine injuries pose significant management challenges.
- Anterior surgical approaches are utilized for decompression and stabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of anterior decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation for acute lower cervical spine injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 53 patients with lower cervical spine injuries.
- Treatment involved anterior decompression, bone grafting, and anterior cervical plate fixation.
- Mean follow-up was 58 months.
Main Results:
- Successful fusion achieved in all patients within 3.4 months.
- 15% hardware malposition noted on radiography; no pseudarthrosis or neurologic complications.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries improved by one Frankel grade on average.
Conclusions:
- Anterior decompression and stabilization is a safe and effective treatment for acute lower cervical spine injuries.
- The procedure allows for immediate postoperative patient mobilization.
- Positive outcomes include successful fusion and neurological improvement.