Surgical treatment of uncomplicated instable injuries of lower thoracic and lumbar spine.

In 87 patients with uncomplicated instable injuries of lower thoracic and lumbar spine the examination data and results of surgical treatment were assessed. Autopsy data were analyzed in 17 patients who were lost due to severe concomitant and multiple injuries. According to clinical manifestations, anatomic and radiologic data the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) victims with injuries of bone structures only; 2) victims with injuries of bone structures of the posterior supporting complex only; 3) victims with simultaneous injuries of the anterior and posterior supporting complexes. In every group the treatment was based on the peculiarities of the anatomic injuries and included the prevention of secondary complications. Authors consider that the posterior fusion with bone plasty is well justified in compression fractures but puncture method and posterior fixation by metallic devices are preferable in «burst» fractures. Long term good results were achieved in 67 victims (77%), satisfactory results - in 18 victims (22%) and unsatisfactory results - in 2 victims.