[An internal fixator for posterior application to short segments of thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Design...

The authors present preliminary experiences in spinal instrumentation with internal fixator Socon (Aesculap). The device was introduced into the routine clinical practice in the Department in 1992. Basing on personal experience they confirm the advantages of usage of internal fixators in spinal surgery especially good stabilisation of the spine and possibility of early mobilisation of patients. Analysis of the series of 6 cases operated on in the Department with the longest follow-up of 10 months revealed no neurological or vascular complication related to pedicle screw insertion, no wound infection and no instability of instrumented segment of the spine. The report includes 3 illustrative cases operated on in the Department.