ANTERIOR DECOMPRESSION, FUSION AND PLATING IN CERVICAL SPINE INJURY: OUR EARLY EXPERIENCE

Authors

  • Riaz A. Raja
  • Asadullah Makhdoom
  • Aftab Ahmed Qureshi

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of anterior cervical decompression, fusion and titanium platefixation in sub axial cervical spine injuries in respect of neurological outcome, postoperative stabilityand early rehabilitation. The Descriptive case series study was conducted at Department ofNeurosurgery, Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro, Sindh Pakistan during year 2005 to 2007.Methods: Patients with cervical spine injuries were admitted during study period were included inthis study. All cases were evaluated for their clinical features. During initial phase, level and degreeof neurological injury was assessed using ASIA impairment scale. Cervical traction was applied toall patients. Operative and post operative record with x-rays and MRI were maintained. Patients withInjury to C3–6 underwent decompression, fusion and local titanium plate implant fixation by anteriorapproach. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months with clinical and radiological assessment.Results: 37 cases of sub axial cervical spine injuries included in this study during year 2005 to2007. Out of these, 28 (75.67%) were males and 9 (24.32%) females. Age range was 8–60 yearsmean (32–40%). Common mode of injury was fall. Post operative follow up showed good clinicaland radiological outcome, bony fusion and favour early rehabilitation. No immediate complicationfound except temporary dysphagia. Conclusion: Anterior decompression, fusion and titanium platefixation is an effective method with good neurological and radiological outcome.Keywords: Cervical spine injury, anterior cervical decompression

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Published

2008-12-01

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 4 (2008): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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