[Surgical stabilization of fractures of the thoracic and lumbar portion of the spine using paraspinal metal plates].

Surgical treatment of lesions of the vertebral column is indicated for concomitant disturbed neurological functions showing an increasing tendency. In cases of a primary complete transverse paralysis, an improvement cannot be expected. The influence of the applied paraspinous plates on the rehabilitation is judged differently. The operation is carried out from a dorsal access. After laminectomy and decompression of the spinal marrow or cauda, stabilisation is effected by means of two paraspinous osteosynthesis plates similar to the method after Roy- Camille . Our own procedure is described, the results are demonstrated by the example of seven patients treated in this way. The authors are of the opinion that it is justified to continue employing this method and extend the range of indications to include also severe instable luxation fractures of the thoracic and the lumbar part of the vertebral column without disturbed neurological functions being present . The care of such patients is facilitated by the fact that pain is improved and degenerative changes and late damage prevented.