Posterior instrumentation and fusion for unstable fractures and fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spine. A comparative study of three fixation devices in 70 patients.

Acute unstable thoracic and lumbar spine fractures were treated with either Harrington rods and hooks, Luque rods with sublaminar wires, or A-O dynamic compression plates with pedicle screws. The results demonstrated failure of all three techniques to maintain the sagittal plane correction at 12 months' follow-up. Furthermore, in lumbar fractures, Harrington rods did not restore or maintain sagittal plane alignment as well as Luque rods or pedicle screws and plates. Lastly, the pedicle screw fixation system required a shorter segment fusion.