Issues in surgical treatment of thoraco-lumbar injuries associated with spinal cord injuries in children and adolescents.

To evaluate standards of care in surgical treatment of thoracolumbar injuries (TLIs), we reviewed the cases of 79 surgically treated patients (39 males, 36 females) with TLIs and spinal cord injuries occurring from January 1985 to January 2000. We assessed radiographs of fracture-dislocation reductions; restorations of sagittal and coronal alignment of injured segments; instrumentation levels and strategies; operations, and reoperations. Mean age at time o f injury was 14.1 years. The majority of injuries were thoracic, and posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation was the most common index procedure performed. Mean follow-up was 23.4months. Reoperation rate was 20%. Problems in achieving fracture reduction, selecting correct instrumentation levels, restoring proper sagittal alignment, an d planning a nd performing surgeries were more prevalent in patients treated before 1990 but are still problematic, even with use of modern segmental instrumentation, and frequently require revision to improve function or relieve symptoms. These results indicate a wide range in standards of care in surgical treatment of TLIs.