INTERNAL-FIXATION OF THE THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE USING ROY-CAMILLE PLATES

Thirty patients underwent fixation of the thoracic and lumbar spine fr om 1986 to 1990 using the Roy-Camille pedicular screw fixation system. The spine was stabilized for a variety of pathologic entities includi ng fracture, tumor, spondylolisthesis, postlaminectomy instability, an d pseudarthrosis. All but one patient obtained solid fusion based on r adiographic and clinical criteria with an average follow up of 19.5 mo nths. All patients reported subjective improvement in preoperative pai n levels. There were no neurologic complications associated with the s urgical procedure. Roy-Camille plate fixation appears to offer a stabl e surgical construct in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spine ins tability.