Thoracolumbar spinal fractures: segmental range of motion after dorsal spondylodesis in 82 patients: a prospective study.

Abstract

In order to study the effect of dorsal spondylodesis on intervertebral movement in patients treated for thoracolumbar fractures, we measured the sagittal range of motion (ROM) in the segments above and below the fractured vertebral body 2 years after operation. Between 1991 and 1996, 82 consecutive patients with a fracture of the thoracolumbar spine (T12, L1, L2 and L3) were treated operatively with open reduction and stabilisation using an internal fixator, combined with transpedicular cancellous bone graft and dorsal spondylodesis. Eighteen T12, 42 L1, 17 L2 and 5 L3 fractures were included. The range of motion of two segments above and two segments below fracture level was measured. This was done on plain flexion and extension radiographs. The data were compared to normal values and to the zero distribution with the Kolmogorov-Smimov test. At all fracture levels the ROM of the segment adjacent to the disturbed endplate of the fractured body was zero (K-S test). All other evaluated segments showed significant loss of ROM (P<0.05) compared to normal values, except segment L1-L2 in L3 fractures (P=0.058). Dorsal spondylodesis at the level of the disturbed endplate in thoracolumbar spinal fractures leads to immobility in this segment, measured on flexion-extension radiographs 2 years after primary operative treatment. More than 50% loss of motion in the two adjacent levels is equivalent to complete loss of ROM in a second segment.

• Authors: V J M Leferink, J M M Nijboer, K W Zimmerman, E F M Veldhuis, E M tenVergert, Duis H J ten
• Journal: European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society (Eur Spine J) Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 2-7 (Feb 2002) ISSN: 0940-6719 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 11931059 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Atlanto-Axial Joint (physiology)
• Humans
• Lumbar Vertebrae (injuries)
• Prospective Studies
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Spinal Fractures (surgery)
• Spinal Fusion
• Thoracic Vertebrae (injuries)