[Surgical fixation of the spine in fractures in the thoracic and lumbar segments].

Posterior alloplastic fixation of a damaged spinal portion was accomplished in 68 patients. In 20 cases fracture was associated with spinal dislocation. In such cases when a compressive spinal fracture is accompanied with insignificant signs of spinal concussion one should follow an expectation policy, since an early operation may be inherent in some additional trauma and result in inhibition of regenerative processes. For spinal fixation Lavsan was employed in 23 patients, a tightening device-in 28, metallic CITO plates-in 17. In 6 objects fixation with the plates was associated with arthrodesis of intervertebral junctures. Late results were studied in 49 patients. In 40 cases the results were good, in 4-satisfactory, in 5-poor. The best results were noted in fixation of the damaged portion with the plates, these should be preferred to other fixators in fracture-dislocation of the spine.