The surgical results of thoracolumber vertebral fractures

Thoracal and lumbar spine fructures are quite common traumas in Turkey and in the world. Especially an increase in spine and medulla spinalis injuries is observed in parallel with increase in traffic accidents, gunshot injuries, fell from heights occupational injuries and sport injuries.The aim of this study is to evaluate the the outcome of patients underwent surgical treatment for thoracal and lumbar spine fructure together with literature, to investigate the effect of early surgical intervention on medullary canal restoration and neurologic recovery, to examine the relationship between the time past till operation and improvement of neurologic deficiency.In this study 58 cases were analysed retrospectively . 22 (38%) of patients were female and 36 (62%) of patients were male. The mean age was 40.5 (from 16 to 72). The level of vertebral fractures were; L1 in 19 patients (29,2%), L2 in 17 (26.1%), L3 in 3 (4,5%), L4 in 4 (6.2%), T12 in 14 (21,5%), T11 in 2 (3,1%), T10 in 2 (3.1%), T9 in 2 (3.1%), T7 in 1 (1.6%) and T6 in 1 (1.6%). The mean time of patients taken to surgery was 5.2 days (from 5 hours to 19 days). Posterior approach was performed in 57 (98.2%) patients and posterior plus transthorasic approach in 1 (1.8%) patient. The neurologic evaluation of patients was performed according to Frankel classification. At last control Denis pain and work scale was used for evaluation of pain and work status of patients.In conclusion, in patients with thoracolumbar spine fructure who are decided to get surgery, early operation and sufficient stabilisation increases recovery rate of neurologic deficiency and improves the comfort of patient in all cases.Key Words: Thoracolumber vertebrae, surgery.