Comparison between square-ended distraction rods and standard round-ended distraction rods in the treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injuries. A statistical analysis.

This is a retrospective clinical and roentgenographic study of two different types of instrumentation used in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures. Dual square-ended distraction rods contoured into lordosis produced improved results when compared with round-ended distraction rods in terms of both the degree of reduction obtained on the operating table and preventing recollapse of the fracture in the ensuing month. The importance of restoring lordosis was more apparent in the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar spine than in the thoracic region.