Combined anterior and posterior decompression and short segment fixation for unstable burst fractures in the dorso lumbar region.

The dorso lumbar segment of spine (D10 to L2) is an unstable zone between fixed dorsal and mobile lumbar spine. A combined anterior and posterior approach with short segment stabilization was found most appropriate. Thirty cases were treated over a period of 4 years and 6 months. There were 26 male and 4 female patients with mean age of 32.6 years. L1 vertebra was fractured in 17 cases, D1 in 8 cases, D11 in 4 cases and D10 in one case. 14 cases had total neurological deficit, 9 cases had partial and 7 had no neurological deficit. We have used three column classification of Denis to assess the cases. Seven patients returned to regular physical work, 5 had restricted physical work, 5 remained in full time light job and 9 patients were unable to return to original job but did some work. Most had flaccid paraplegia but 4 patients were completely disabled due to spastic paraplegia. Neurological recovery occurred in all the patients with partial paralysis, and appeared to be dependent on initial kyphosis. The overall recovery rate varied from 50% to 90%. There is no correlation between canal compromise and severity of injury. Neurological injury occured at the time of trauma, rather than as a result of pressure of fragment in the canal. No strong conclusion could be drawn to say that the results of surgery were superior to non-operative treatment.