Early results of unconventional pedicular screw-plate fixations. The Indian experience

Twenty cases of spinal plating with locally made simple bone plates, done between a period from August 1988 to March 1990 at our institute, are reported here. The main indication for plating was spinal instability, either existent or created following decompression or an osteotomy. These cases included spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, traumatic fracture-dislocations, lumber canal stenosis, tumors, prolapsed intervertebral discs, and seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Posterior lumbar interbody in 13 cases and posterolateral fusion in five was added to the spinal plating. Fusion rate was 100% at the end of 5 months. There was no incidence of implant breakage, and one case of screw loosening. One case had screw-related radiculopathy that subsequently settled. In all, 80 screws were used, out of which 75 had optimal and five suboptimal placements. In spite of limited facilities available in the developing countries, satisfactory results could be expected with this unconventional and simple technique.