Segmental spinal instrumentation in the early fixation of the fracture-dislocations of the dorsal and lumbar spine (S.S.1).

A total of 24 patients were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery and Traumatology between April 1, 1985 and March 31, 1987 for fracture-dislocation of the dorsal and lumbar spine. Review of the observation of the patients is given from their hospitalization to the surgical indication. The patients with unstable spinal fracture were operated independent of their neurological status. The operative technique which contains in fixing the spine according to the operative technique elaborated by Edwardo Luque is reviewed in detail. The advantage of their method is that bent Steinmann rods are used for fixation of the spine. A detailed review of the postoperative treatment and the complications is given.