The surgical reconstruction of fractures and fracture dislocations of the thoraco-lumbar spine.

Sixty patients have undergone surgical reconstruction of the injured thoraco-lumbar spine during the period 1968 to 1978 at the Spinal Unit of the National Murayama Hospital. The aim of treatment of any fracture, dislocation, or fracture-dislocation of the spine is to render it stable and painfree. This is best achieved by reduction and stabilisation of the involved segment of the spinal column. Where the posterior ligaments and intervertebral disc are ruptured healing of these structures with return to normal stability cannot be anticipated. In order to obtain permanent stability at the affected vertebral level we elect to perform anterior intervertebral fusion.