REMODELING OF THE SPINAL-CANAL DEFORMED BY TRAUMA

Computed tomography (CT) examinations and functional scores were evalu ated in 28 patients with thoracolumbar fractures with intraspinal frag ments, of whom 20 underwent operation. The cross-sectional area and th e sagittal and frontal diameters of the spinal canal were measured aft er the injury, postoperatively, and at follow-up (mean, 6 years). The operative reduction significantly increased both diameter and area of the spinal canal. During follow-up, a further significant increase of the sagittal diameter and the area was noted, in both surgically and c onservatively treated patients. There was no difference in remodeling between the groups. Six patients in the surgically treated group had n eurologic deficits at admission, five had improved, and one remained u nchanged at follow-up. The presence or absence of intraspinal fragment s should not influence the treatment strategy per se in cases without neurologic signs.