The internal skeletal fixation system. A new treatment of thoracolumbar fractures and other spinal disorders

A new internal skeletal fixation system (ISFS) for stabilizing thoracolumbar fractures and other spinal disorders was developed by Dick in Switzerland. The ISFS is a modification of the Magerl external skeletal fixation system of the spine. The Dick modification consists of a threaded rod connected by clamps to Schanz screws and is located in the vertebral pedicles on both sides of the spine. Due to a stable angle between the rod and Schanz screw, a one-point fixation above and below the diseased vertebra is sufficient. The ISFS provides a short fixation and promotes fusion. Control of lordosis, kyphosis, and rotation of the spine is possible with threaded rod distraction and compression and through manipulation of the Schanz screws held by movable clamps. The advantage of the ISFS is the ability to achieve reduction and fixation with the same instrumentation. ISFS has been used in more than 90 patients and proven most adequate for thoracolumbar fractures and other localized spinal disorders. The Harrington system and its modifications are no longer in use for these problems.