Shear fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spine associated with forceful hyperextension (lumberjack paraplegia).

Twelve patients sustained a shear fracture-dislocation of their thoracic or lumbar spines by a hyperextension mechanism of injury. Ten male and two female patients were injured; their average age was 29 years (range, 22 months to 56 years). Ten fracture-dislocations occurred in the thoracic spine, one at the thoracolumbar junction, and one in the lumbar spine. Eleven patients had complete paraplegia, and one had incomplete paraplegia at the time of injury. Dural tears were found in six of the patients. Eleven patients were treated by posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation, and one was treated with a brace. Three patients were treated with Harrington distraction rods alone, six had Harrington distraction rods supplemented with a midline Harrington compression rod or interspinous wiring, and two were treated with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation. No patient was lost to follow-up. The average length of follow-up was 3.5 years (range, 1-9 years). Six of the patients treated with Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation or Harrington distraction rods supplemented with either a midline compression rod or interspinous wiring healed anatomically; two patients developed pseudarthroses. None of the patients treated with Harrington distraction rods alone healed in an anatomic position. The use of Harrington distraction rods alone was associated with overdistraction and nonanatomic alignment of the spine. The disruption of the anterior stabilizing structures of the spine associated with hyperextension injuries necessitates the use of instrumentation that can stabilize the spine and prevent overdistraction. This injury can be successfully treated with Cotrel-Dubousset or Harrington distraction rods supplemented with either a midline compression rod or interspinous wiring.     

The treatment of fracture dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine with halofemoral traction and Harrington rod instrumentation.

Although function does not return after complete spinal cord injuries, partial recovery is possible after incomplete lesions Halofemoral traction may produce early decompression of injured neural elements in the spinal canal by anatomic realignment of the spinal column. It also acts to stabilize the very unstable thoracolumbar fracture dislocation and prevent displacement as well as further neurologic trauma. The body jacket is easy to make and apply. It allows early mobilization of patients when utilized in conjunction with the posterior spinal fusion and Harrington rod fixation.     

Distraction rod stabilization in the treatment of metastatic carcinoma

Stabilization of the spinal column with Harrington distraction rods and acrylic fusion was the primary form of treatment in a select group of patients with metastatic carcinoma of the spinal column. Clinical criteria included patients in poor general medical condition with intractable pain originating from metastatic tumor involvement in the ventral components of the thoracic or upper lumbar spinal column and minimal evidence or absence of spinal cord compression. After stabilization, pain relief was almost total and sustained, and neurological status generally remained unchanged from preoperative findings without any evidence of improvement of preexisting abnormalities or occasions of rapid neurological deterioration. This form of spinal stabilization may offer significant relief of debilitating pain, lessen the risk of pathological fracture-dislocation of the thoracic or upper lumbar vertebral column, and reduction in the local compressive effects on the spinal cord caused by ventrally situated metastatic tumor.     

Open reduction of unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries and fixation with Harrington rods

The results of treatment of sixteen patients with unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries are recorded. Early open reduction, stabilization with Harrington rods, spine fusion, application of a plaster jacket until consolidation, and early mobilization was the treatment. Distraction rods were used in twelve patients and compression rods, in four. Nine patients with incomplete paraplegia showed marked neurological recovery, while five with complete paraplegia regained only some sensation. Two patients had no neurological involvement. Solid fusion was achieved in fifteen patients after a minimum of three months of plaster-cast immobilization. In one patient stabilization failed. There was a loss of 5 degrees on average (range, 2 to 23 degrees) in the correction of the kyphosis. Lateral angulation after surgery did not occur. The treatment allowed easier postoperative nursing and early mobilization of the patient.     

哈氏棒治疗不稳定胸腰椎骨折脱位

目的 总结哈氏棒在治疗不胸腰椎骨折脱位中的优缺点及注意事项。方法 ８７例均采用哈氏棒治疗。其中６２例预予以椎板切除减压及／或切开硬脊膜探查脊髓,２５例行棘突打孔钢丝固定双棒,６５例做了自体植骨融合术。结果 ４８例经１～１１年随访,平均５年４个月,２２例完全康复,有１４例发生各种并发症。结论 哈氏棒是一种符合生物力学的内固定器材,具有较强的纵向撑开力,能使骨折脱位得到很好复位,但亦具有一些缺点。如术     

A comparison of Harrington rod fixation with and without segmental wires for unstable thoracolumbar injuries

Between January 1, 1975 and November 1, 1986, 77 patients with acute unstable thoracic or lumbar spine fractures underwent reduction, posterior stabilization with dual Harrington distraction rods, and fusion with autogenous iliac crest bone graft at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Beginning March 1985, in 25 patients, segmental interspinous wires were employed, in addition to the Harrington rods, to augment the surgical construct. Clinical and radiographic analysis was performed to determine if differences existed between the two groups. Average time to surgery, hospital stay, and time to brace discontinuance were lower in the segmental wire group. Pain and work status at final follow-up were similar in the two groups. There was a higher incidence of superior and inferior hook migration and reoperation for this complication in patients treated with Harrington rods alone. There was no significant difference in postoperative correction of deformity, although at follow-up, there was greater recurrence of deformity in the Harrington rod group. In summary, the use of segmental wires to supplement Harrington rod fixation appears to offer advantages over Harrington rods alone, with minimal or no increased risk.     

THE EARLY MANAGEMENT OF THORACOLUMBAR FRACTURES BY OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION

Twenty-eight patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Harrington instrumentation are reviewed. An unresolved problem is the selection of patients for surgical management. It is a major operation requiring a surgeon experienced in both the care of spinal cord injuries and the use of spinal instrumentation. The technique permits more rapid mobilization, retraining and rehabilitation than nonoperative management.     

Stabilization of thoraco-lumbar spinal fractures using Harrington's equipment. Study of the evolution of spinal curvatures

The radiographic results of treatment of unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries by Harrington rods are reviewed. The loss of initial correction of kyphosis is 8 degrees on average. Correlation between good anatomical reduction and lapse of time before operation, level of instrumentation and solid spinal fusion exists. But, in burst fracture with deficient anterior pilar, the incidence of loss of reduction is important. The influence of Harrington rods on the spine is significant.     

A biomechanical analysis of spinal instrumentation systems in thoracolumbar fractures. Comparison of traditional Harrington distraction instrumentation with segmental spinal instrumentation

A total of 61 biomechanical tests were performed on 25 cadaveric spinal segments to investigate the comparative strengths of three instrumentation systems: 1) conventional Harrington distraction instrumentation (HRI), 2) segmentally wired Harrington distraction rods, and 3) Luque segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI). In type I testing in which axial preload was applied to normal specimens, and then progressive rotation until ultimate failure followed, five of six Harrington systems failed at the bone-metal interface. In contrast, all six Luque SSI vertebral segments disrupted in a location removed from the bone-metal interface. In Type-II testing (six specimens) in which axial loading of experimentally produced unstable burst fractures was applied, the most stable fixation in resisting compressive loads was segmentally wired Harrington distraction rods (P less than 0.001). In Type-III testing (six specimens), there was axial preloading, then progressive rotation applied to translational fracture-dislocations and this showed that the ability to resist torsion was lowest with plain HRI, slightly improved by segmentally wired HRI, and the stiffest system was Luque SSI (P less than 0.05). The three methods of testing cadaveric segments provided a relevant laboratory model for investigation of spinal instrumentation systems in thoracolumbar fracture stabilization. The results compare favorably with other biomechanical studies, information derived from in vitro and ex vivo animal models and clinical experience with failures of fixation. The biomechanical advantages of segmentally wired Harrington distraction instrumentation in resisting axial loads seem to justify this method of fixation in unstable burst fractures. Similarly, the use of Luque segmental spinal instrumentation with L-rods coupled together is the best method of achieving rotational stability in translational injuries (fracture-dislocations). However, the above biomechanical considerations should be balanced against the increased operative time, more exacting technical expertise required, and possible risk of iatrogenic neurologic sequelae in implementing segmental fixation in unstable thoracolumbar fracture management.     

Fracture and lateral dislocation of the T12-L1 vertebrae without neurological deficit--case report

A 21-year-old man suffered T12-L1 vertebrae fracture and lateral dislocation without neurological deficit. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the fracture and lateral dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine. The injured spine was realigned with rods and screws, and bony fusion of the affected vertebrae was performed. Patients with thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation without neurological deficit may suffer unintended neurological injury secondary to maneuvers that cause further dislocation of the spine. Severe spinal injury without neurological deficit should be evaluated in detail, especially with spinal computed tomography. Internal fixation and reduction are recommended if the patient's condition is suitable for surgery.     

The treatment of spinal fractures with Harrington compression rods and segmental sublaminar wiring. A dangerous combination

The increasing use of more rigid internal fixation constructs for spinal fractures, especially in association with spinal cord injury, has led surgeons to combine sublaminar segmental wiring with Harrington instrumentation systems. Two clinical cases whose neurologic condition deteriorated postoperatively were shown to have sustained direct cord injury by the combination of Harrington compression rods with segmental sublaminar wiring. Myelographic and surgical evidence of hook protrusion into the spinal canal with direct cord injury is presented. Laboratory spine simulations duplicating the clinical situation did demonstrate that sublaminar wiring of the Harrington compression rod system caused the standard hooks to protrude dangerously into the spinal canal. Caution should be exercised not to combine Harrington compression rods with segmental sublaminar wiring.     

Treatment of Charcot spinal arthropathy following traumatic paraplegia.

Four cases of Charcot's spinal arthropathy in patients with complete traumatic paraplegia were diagnosed an average of 12 years (range, 4-22 years) postinjury. Each patient had previous posterior spinal fusion with Harrington instrumentation. The Charcot joint occurred just below the fusion near the thoracolumbar junction and well below the level of spinal cord injury. All four patients experienced progressive kyphosis, flexion instability, and loss of height. Each underwent a treatment protocol that included anterior fusion with partial resection of the Charcot joint and staged posterior spinal fusion and stabilization with Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) rods. At follow-up evaluation 18-30 months postoperatively, three of four patients showed complete healing with kyphosis correction. One patient developed loosening of his lower hooks at 6 months postoperatively and required posterior revision with ultimate healing. Resection of the involved segments along with two-stage fusion with segmental instrumentation provides excellent management of this difficult problem.     

Surgery of spinal deformity in cerebral palsy. Twelve years in the evolution of scoliosis management

In order to assess the lessons learned from 12 years of surgery on patients with cerebral palsy and spinal deformity, the cases may be divided into three groups classified according to type of posterior spinal fusion, instrumentation, and time period. Group I (1976-1980) included patients who had Harrington rods, usually with Dwyer instrumentation. Group II (1980-1985) consisted of patients with unlinked Luque or wired-in Harrington rods. Group III (1985-1988) comprised patients with a unit Luque rod extending to the pelvis. Most patients were retarded nonwalkers who had total body involvement, pelvic obliquity, and severe thoracolumbar curves (Group I average, 97 degrees; Group II average, 72 degrees; Group III average, 89 degrees). The frontal plane correction at follow-up study averaged 51% in Group I, 47% in Group II, and 76% in Group III. The correction of the pelvic obliquity averaged 71% in Group I, 58% in Group II, and 86% in Group III. The general trend was toward longer fusion, use of the unit 0.625-cm Luque rod, and first-stage anterior discectomy and fusion without anterior instrumentation. The second-stage posterior arthrodesis and fusion is now performed only one week after the first-stage anterior procedure. Skeletal traction has been abandoned. The Luque rod instrumentation without fusion has also been abandoned.     

Complications following Harrington instrumentation for fractures of the thoracolumbar spine

The purposes of using Harrington instrumentation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures are to reduce the fracture, decompress the spinal canal, create stability at the fracture site, and shorten the hospitalization period. However, technical problems or the injudicious use of Harrington-instrumentation systems can also complicate the management of these fractures. We have studied forty patients (forty-five Harrington-instrumentation stabilization procedures) who had significant complications. Twenty-six of the thirty patients who were followed for more than two years required additional spinal reconstructive surgical procedures. Five patients had neurological deterioration (one died), nine patients had an inadequate reduction of translational displacement of a vertebral fracture, sixteen patients had dislodgment or disengagement of the Harrington components with resultant loss of fixation, six patients had a deep wound infection, three patients had a complete wound dehiscence with exposure of metal, and sixteen patients had persistent unrecognized neural compression. Several factors were associated with these failures of Harrington instrumentation: translational (flexion-rotation) injuries of the osteoligamentous middle column; failure to obtain either myelographic or computed tomographic studies, or both, postoperatively; failure to identify persistent neural compression; wound dehiscence; the use of distraction rods for high thoracic kyphosis; and instrumentation across the lumbosacral joint.     

Vertebral motion measured using biplanar radiography before and after Harrington rod removal for unstable thoracolumbar fractures of the spine

The use of Harrington distraction rods for stabilization of fracture dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine is well established. For better initial stabilization and later return of flexibility we routinely use a long rod but fuse over a short segment and then remove the rods at 1 year. A biplanar radiographic technique was used to assess vertebral motion both before and after removal of Harrington rods in five patients. The investigation showed the rod acted to restrict movement and relieved loads on the spine that they spanned. Although all the patients regained considerable spinal flexibility once the rods were removed, none of the intervertebral joints measured could be considered solidly fused. However, the pattern of movement remained abnormal 6 months after rod removal with many intervertebral joints exhibiting lateral flexion and axial rotation during voluntary flexion extension. Despite this, a long rod/short fuse stabilization with routine rod removal after 1 year combines the initial advantage of operative stabilization and is shown to allow a return of spinal flexibility subsequently.     

Anterior decompression and fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with neurological deficits

Summary Anterior spinal decompression and fusion was used as the primary treatment for thoracolumbar fractures in eleven patients with neurological deficits. Each patient achieved stability by interbody fusion. Significant progressive kyphosis did not occur. No patient with a complete neurological deficit was improved by operation, but all eight patients with partial neurological deficits showed improved lower extremity motor function postoperatively. Bladder function improved in five of the eight patients with incomplete lesions. The authors recommend this operative approach for spinal stabilization and removal of anteriorly located bone or disc fragments causing progressing and stable partial neurological deficits, and find second-stage posterior fixation with Harrington rods unnecessary in the great majority of cases.     

Spinal surgery in spinal muscular atrophy

Fifteen patients with surgical treatment of spinal muscular atrophy were reviewed. The curve pattern was thoracic in 3, thoracolumbar in 11, and double thoracic and thoracolumbar in 1. Follow-up averaged 31 months. Eleven patients underwent posterior spinal fusion with Harrington instrumentation, with segmental wiring in four, and two had Luque instrumentation. The average age at time of surgery was 14.4 years. The average curve correction was 48%; that with the pelvic obliquity corrected, 63%. Surgery is best done when the curve is approximately 50-60 degrees, and Luque sublaminar wiring of Harrington or Luque rods with no external support appears to be the procedure of choice.     

Late complications of displaced thoracolumbar fusion instrumentation presenting as new pain in individuals with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND: Harrington rods and more modern thoracolumbar posterior fusion with segmental instrumentation have been used successfully for decades in individuals with scoliosis or spinal cord injury (SCI). However, late complications of these instrumentations specifically presenting as new, localized pain in individuals with SCI have not been previously reported. Displacement of the hooks and the rods can cause significant back pain that may require hardware removal. METHODS: Two case reports illustrate thoracolumbar fusion rod removal because of displaced hooks with protruding rods and associated pain. RESULTS: Both of the individuals experienced back pain caused by proximal hook displacement. There was no neurologic deterioration. The proximal portions of the rods were sawed off and the displaced hooks and the rods were removed. CONCLUSIONS: These cases illustrate the importance of clarifying different types of pain experienced by individuals with SCI and the importance of diagnosing the cause of pain accurately.     

复位内固定治疗脊柱骨折脱位合并脊髓损伤

本文报告1989年3月至1990年1月外院转入我院53例脊柱骨折脱位合并脊髓损伤患者,其中50例曾行手术治疗。结果,复位:向后成角平均20.5°,37例有成角,占70％;椎体移位平均0.5cm,47例有移位,移位率88％。固定:53例中仍存有内固定者18例,有11例内固定失败,占61％。减压:27例做核磁检查,有椎管狭窄脊髓受压者19例占70.4％。我院1981～1989年对32例新鲜脊柱骨折脱位进行复位内固定术。结果,复位:完全复位24例(75％),大部复位6例(19％),部分复位2例(6％)。内固定:无改变29例,3例失败,占9％。通过对比分析,提出充分复位、减压及有效内固定的重要性。     

Unstable thoracolumbar fractures. A comparative clinical study of conservative treatment and Harrington instrumentation

Fifty patients (14-55 years of age) with unstable thoracolumbar fractures were studied: 24 patients treated conservatively 1971-1977 and 26 patients treated surgically with Harrington instrumentation 1977-1981. The treatment groups were comparable in all respects. Radiologic evaluation showed that Harrington distraction rods restored the fractured vertebra almost to its original shape, and the gibbus and scoliosis were significantly reduced. However, at the follow-up examination at least 2 years after the injury, the gibbus angle had recurred almost to the value at admission in patients with the rods removed. The conservatively treated patients showed a continuous increase of the gibbus angle and of the anterior and central vertebral compression. At the follow-up evaluation, all fractures in both treatment groups were healed. There was no difference between the treatment groups regarding neurologic improvement. Thirteen of 14 patients with severe or moderate paraparesis considerably improved their neurological status. A rehabilitation index with special reference to paraparetic patients showed no difference between the treatment groups already three months after the injury. Thoracolumbar fatigue, thoracolumbar pain and stiffness, skin problems, and pain at direct pressure at the fracture site occurred equally in the conservative and Harrington groups. The overall complications were few. The aseptic intermittent catheterization method introduced in 1977 considerably diminished the frequency of upper urinary tract infections. The treatment with open reduction, fusion, and stabilization with Harrington rods considerably reduced the immobilization and hospitalization times. The average immobilization time was reduced from 67 to 18 days. The hospitalization time in neurologically intact patients was reduced from 80 to 30 days.