The authors report on a prospective multicenter study with regard to the operative treatment of acute fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine (T10-L2). The study should analyze the operative methods currently used and determine the results in a large representative collective. This investigation was realized by the working group "spine" of the German Trauma Society. Between September 1994 and December 1996, 682 patients treated in 18 different traumatology centers in Germany and Austria were included. Part 2 describes the details of the operative methods and measured data in standard radiographs and CT scans of the spine. Of the patients, 448 (65.7%) were treated with posterior, 197 (28.9%) with combined posterior-anterior, and 37 (5.4%) with anterior surgery alone. In 72% of the posterior operations, the instrumentation was combined with transpedicular bone grafting. The combined procedures were performed as one-stage operations in 38.1%. A significantly longer average operative time (4:14 h) was noted in combined cases compared to the posterior (P < 0.001) or anterior (P < 0.05) procedures. The average blood loss was comparable in both posterior and anterior groups. During combined surgery the blood loss was significantly higher (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). The longest intraoperative fluoroscopy time (average 4:08 min) was noticed in posterior surgery with a significant difference compared to the anterior group. In almost every case a "Fixateur interne" (eight different types of internal fixators) was used for posterior stabilization. For anterior instrumentation, fixed angle implants (plate or rod systems) were mainly preferred (n = 22) compared to non-fixed angle plate systems (n = 12). A decompression of the spinal canal (indirect by reduction or direct by surgical means) was performed in 70.8% of the neurologically intact patients (Frankel/ASIA E) and in 82.6% of those with neurologic deficit (Frankel/ASIA grade A-D). An intraoperative myelography was added in 22% of all patients. The authors found a significant correlation between the amount of canal compromise in preoperative CT scans and the neurologic deficit in Frankel/ASIA grades. The wedge angle and sagittal index measured on lateral radiographs improved from -17.0 degrees and 0.63 (preoperative) to -6.3 degrees and 0.86 (postoperative). A significantly (P < 0.01) stronger deformity was noted preoperatively in the combined group compared to the posterior one. The segmental kyphosis angle improved by 11.3 degrees (8.8 degrees with inclusion of the two adjacent intervertebral disc spaces). A significantly better operative correction of the kyphotic deformity was found in the combined group. In 101 (14.8%) patients, intra- or postoperative complications were noticed, 41 (6.0%) required reoperation. There was no significant difference between the three treatment groups. Of the 2264 pedicle screws, 139 (6.1%) were found to be misplaced. This number included all screws, which were judged to be not placed in an optimal direction or location. In seve...

All treatment methods under study were appropriate for achieving comparable clinical and functional outcome. The internal fixator is superior in restoration of the spinal alignment. Best radiological outcome is achieved by combined stabilization. Merely by direct reconstruction of the anterior column the postoperative re-kyphosing is prevented and a gain in segmental angle is achieved.

The authors report on a prospective multicenter study with regard to the operative treatment of fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine. 18 traumatologic centers in Germany and Austria, forming the working group "spine" of the German Society of Trauma Surgery, are participating in this continuing study. Between September 1994 and December 1996 682 patients (64% male) with an average age of 39 1/2 (7-83) years were entered. The entry criteria included all patients with acute and operatively treated (within 3 weeks after trauma) fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine (Th 10-L 2). Part 1 of this publication outlines the protocol and epidemiologic data. The incidence of fractures and dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine and associated injuries were recorded according to a standardized protocol, as well as the different operative methods and complications, duration of hospital stay, rehabilitation and incapacity. The analysis of the clinical social and radiological course was a second focus. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall (50%) or traffic accident (22%). Most of the fractures occurred at the L 1 level (49%). All injuries were classified according to the ASIF (AO) classification. 65% sustained an A-type fracture (compression fracture). Associated injuries were observed in 35% and 6% were polytraumatized. Extremities and thorax were most frequently affected. Younger age and traffic accidents lead more often to C-type fracture (fracture dislocation) and polytrauma. An increased number of multisegmental or multilevel lesions were observed in polytraumatized patients. There were 16% with incomplete paraplegia (Frankel/ASIA B-D) and 5% with complete paraplegia (Frankel/ASIA A). The rate of patients with initial neurologic deficits significantly increased with the severity of spinal injury according to the Magerl classification. Until discharge a neurologic improvement (at least 1 Frankel/ASIA grade) was observed in 32% of the partially paralyzed (Frankel/ASIA B-D) and in 12% of the patients with complete paraplegia (Frankel/ASIA A). A neurologic deterioration occurred in 3 patients (0.4%). As a base for further follow-up and late results the individual starting point was determined by collecting relevant data of the patients' history: 277 (40.6%) patients suffered from simultaneous diseases, one half was spine related. At the time of injury 559 (82.0%) patients were employed; 429 (62.9%) doing manual work. 369 (54.1%) patients stated sportive activities before the injury and 561 (82.3%) designated their "back function" as normal. For the time before injury the patients scored an average of 93.4 points in the Hannover Spine Score (0-100 points concerning complaints and function of the back/spine).

TRN DRKS00011679.

These data permit a detailed view of the medical care that was provided. In situations of this kind, the main problems can be dealt with through targeted and structured preparation and optimized emergency plans which consider both foreseeable and unforeseeable events. Priority must be given to rapid diagnostic assessment and clinical decision-making; the prerequisites for these are transparent institutional structures and clear assignments of responsibility.