Unstable fracture-dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine: results of surgical treatment.

In a review of 22 patients with unstable fractures or fracture-dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine, treated by Harrington rod instrumentation and spinal arthrodesis, all arthrodeses became solid. All patients with incomplete neurologic lesions regained some function. No patient was made neurologically worse by the procedure. Solid arthrodesis was achieved whether laminectomy was performed or not. Harrington rods offer a method of reduction of compression fractures, offer partial stability to the spine, and serve as an adjunct to spine arthrodesis.