Segmental Spinal Instrumentation in the Treatment of Fractures of the Thoracolumbar Spine

A group of 14 patients with fractures of the thoracolumbar spine was studied. They were all treated with segmental spinal instrumentation as a primary procedure which afforded immediate rigid internal fixation of the spine and permitted mobilization without external support and immediate rehabilitation. Ancillary procedures to eliminate intramedullary obstructions were necessary for four patients before definitive segmental spinal instrumentation correction and stabilization. There were no complications attributable to the surgical procedure in this group of patients.