Stabilization procedures in the patient with acute spinal cord injury.

In summary, when confronted with the spinal-cord-injured patient, the surgeon must do an initial evaluation with a complete history and physical examination, order the appropriate radiographic studies, determine the stability of the spinal column, and initiate treatment with stabilization techniques. An overview of surgical stabilization procedures used for the treatment of acute spinal cord injuries has been presented. The concept of spinal stability and the determination of the location of spinal cord compression are used to determine which surgical technique should be used. With appropriate decompression and/or stabilization procedures or both, spinal-cord-injured patients may regain additional function and begin an early rehabilitation program.