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Posterior lumbar apophyseal fractures
R Savini1, M Di Silvestre, G Gargiulo
1Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
Spine
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Surgical removal of bony fragments effectively treated posterior lumbar apophyseal fractures. All patients experienced symptom resolution, including neurological deficits, with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Posterior lumbar apophyseal fractures are rare injuries.
- These fractures can cause significant pain, vertebral rigidity, and neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surgical outcomes for posterior lumbar apophyseal fractures.
- To assess the effectiveness of fragment removal in alleviating symptoms and neurological deficits.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine patients surgically treated between 1984 and 1987.
- Surgical intervention involved removal of bony and/or cartilaginous fragments.
- Procedures included posterior approaches (laminotomy, facetectomy, laminectomy) and one anterior fusion.
Main Results:
- All nine patients achieved complete symptom regression, including pain and neurological deficits.
- Eight patients underwent posterior surgical approaches, while one with paraparesis had an anterior fusion.
- One patient experienced an incomplete cauda equina syndrome post-operatively, which resolved with conservative treatment.
Conclusions:
- Surgical fragment removal is a highly effective treatment for posterior lumbar apophyseal fractures.
- Both posterior and anterior surgical approaches can yield successful outcomes.
- Prompt surgical intervention can lead to full recovery, even in cases with neurological compromise.