Open reduction of unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries and fixation with Harrington rods

The results of treatment of sixteen patients with unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries are recorded. Early open reduction, stabilization with Harrington rods, spine fusion, application of a plaster jacket until consolidation, and early mobilization was the treatment. Distraction rods were used in twelve patients and compression rods, in four. Nine patients with incomplete paraplegia showed marked neurological recovery, while five with complete paraplegia regained only some sensation. Two patients had no neurological involvement. Solid fusion was achieved in fifteen patients after a minimum of three months of plaster-cast immobilization. In one patient stabilization failed. There was a loss of 5 degrees on average (range, 2 to 23 degrees) in the correction of the kyphosis. Lateral angulation after surgery did not occur. The treatment allowed easier postoperative nursing and early mobilization of the patient.