Fractures of the dorsolumbar spine with neurological lesions. A comparison of different treatments.

Seventy-nine fractures of the dorsolumbar junction with neurological lesions have been studied retrospectively at an average follow up of 29 months. Sixteen patients were treated conservatively and 63 were operated on using the techniques of laminectomy. Harrington rods, supplemented Harrington fixation and the Malaga transpedicular fixator. Both the angle of kyphosis and the percentage of vertebral wedging were comparatively lower when the Malaga fixator was used. Pain and the angle of kyphosis were related statistically, the Cobb angle being greater for those with pain. Surgical treatment allowed patients to sit up earlier, and those with a Malaga fixator spent a shorter time in hospital. No differences were found in neurological improvement.