The simultaneous application of an interspinous compressive wire and Harrington distraction rods in the treatment of fracture-dislocation of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

During open reduction of thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation, the normal constraints to distraction and lengthening may be ruptured and allow instrumentation to exert deleterious traction of the spinal cord. An interspinous wire across the unstable segment together with a Harrington rod may be used to prevent potential overdistribution of the spinal cord. Thirty-six patients with fracture-dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine were treated by open reduction with Harrington rods and interspinous wiring. Of 15 patients with a partial cord lesion, four made complete recovery, and nine of the remaining 11 became ambulators. Six patients with a complete paraplegia did not improve; 15 patients remained neurologically intact following the procedure. The compressive wire and Harrington rods act in concert and enable correction of kyphosis and restoration of vertebral and discal height while protecting the cord against traction. The technique is safe and does not add to operative time.