[Osteosynthesis of true cervical fractures with D.K.P. screw-plates. Apropos of 125 cases].

One hundred and twenty-five patients had been operated on of whom ninety-two were reviewed. Seventy-four of these had severely displaced fractures of Garden type III or IV. This study confirmed the bad prognosis of fractures with a vertical line, and of those with severe displacement. It confirmed the importance of accurate reduction which should not make the fracture less stable or lead to an increase in vascular damage. It is concluded that this type of fixation lessens the incidence of non-union. The validity of bone biochemical studies is discussed. The authors consider that the device should be modified to increase its strength.