[Dorsal stabilization of thoracic and lumbar vertebral injuries]

The concept of angle-stable transpedicular screw-rod instrumentation, realized in the different models of internal spine fixators with intrinsic stability, allows secure stabilization of the most unstable fracture patterns, limited-segment fixation and three-dimensional reduction of the fragments. The canal diameter is improved by ligamentotaxis and, if necessary, by hemilaminectomy and fragment impaction. Late collapse of the upper disk space must be anticipated and may lead to some increase in kyphotic deformity. The situations are identified where an additional formal interbody fusion is recommended.