Publication:

Functional outcome of traumatic paraplegia and paraparesis patients treated with pedicle screw stabilization with decompression

Background In this study, unstable thoracolumbar spine fractures with neurological deficit fixed with Moss Miami pedicle screw and decompression were followed up for neurological improvement (sensory and motor functions). Patients were admitted in the department of Orthopaedics, Government medical college, Kottayam from November 2016 to October 2017.

Methods In this observational study, 96 patients (aged 17 to 60 years) are followed up. The preoperative neurological status and post-operative recovery are follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months and graded by Frankel’s grading. Change from Frankel’s grade A OR B to Frankel grade C, D OR E was said to be improved neurologically.

Results 87.3% males and 12.7% females with 58.3% patients having fall from height sustained wedge compression fractures (49.1%), burst fractures (46.8%) and fracture dislocations (4.1%). vertebra fractured were L1-31.4%, T12-22.9% and L2-19.7%. Complete paralysis was 44.8% and 55.2% incomplete. At 6 months 75% patients showed improvement and 25% patients showed nil. 95.5% patients (18-30 years) showed improvement and only 50% (51-60 years). Incomplete neurological deficit showed significant improvement (100%) compared to patients with complete paralysis (44.2%). Preoperative Frankel score has significant relationship with final neurological (44% of patients with Frankel A and 100% with Frankel D.

Conclusions Moss Miami pedicle screw stabilization with decompression is an effective surgical technique in maintaining stability of spine in traumatic paraplegia and paraparesis patients and there is significant improvement in neurological status.