Evaluation of Neurological Recovery in Cases of Thoracolumbar Fracture with Paraparesis after Fixation and Decompression Article Swipe
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· 2019
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ojmpc_20192502_63
· OA: W4414832334
Background: The recent advances in management of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) are born on evolving understanding of spinal mechanics, injury mechanics, improved instrumentation, better imaging modalities and better rehabilitative care. However management of thoracolumbar fractures remains controversial for many reasons. The purpose of this study was to assess the neurological recovery of patients with traumatic incomplete thoracolumbar spinal cord injury, who were treated by reduction, posterior stabilization and decompression at our centre. Material & Methods: 36 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury treated with posterior pedicle screw fixation and decompression were included in the study. These patients were evaluated with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale before and at 1, 2 and 6 months follow up after surgery. Results: Out of total 36 patients, 22 were male and 14 were female. The mean age was 33.7 years. Neurological improvement in our series was more than one ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade in 24 cases with 3 cases showing improvement of two ASIA grades. Conclusion: Posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation is an effective procedure to achieve early mobilisation and rehabilitation and the evidence indicates that it leads to improvement in neurological recovery in cases of incomplete SCI.
