The application of Dick instrumentation in spine surgery

From June, 1989 to March, 1991, 24 cases with various spinal disorders were treated in our department using the Dick technique. The results were as follows: In the fresh fracture group (7 cases), all the spine fractures were reduced anatomically: the 2 cases without neurological defects returned to work 3 months after operation; the 3 cases with incomplete paraplegia had rapid neurological recovery; and the 2 cases with complete paraplegia showed no recovery after operation. In the late fracture group (10 cases), traumatic kyphotic curves were partially reduced and back pain was decreased markedly in all: Muscle power was increased significantly in 3 cases; spasticity was remarkably improved in 2 cases; 3 cases obtained complete cure of incontinence; and 4 cases had no significant improvement. In 3 cases with ankylosing spondylitis, the initial average kyphotic curve was 73.3 degrees, while the postoperative average curve was 28.3 degrees. The result of treatment of spinal stenosis due to degenerative spondylolisthesis (1 case) was good; slipping vertebrae were stabilized and fused with the Dick system after thorough decompression. In 1 tumor and 2 Tb-spine cases, the patients recovered and were ambulatory soon after operation.