Outcome and complications of reconstruction of the thoracolumbar spine for vertebral tumours.

Forty-six patients with progressive neurological deficits or severe pain underwent subtotal vertebrectomy and resection of thoracic and lumbar vertebral tumours. Following subtotal vertebrectomy, 22 spinal segments were reconstructed with titanium mesh cylinders, 13 with allograft struts, 7 with methyl methacrylate, one with autograft bone, and 2 patients underwent spinal reconstruction with miscellaneous materials. In one patient, 40 mm cancellous screws and a titanium mesh cylinder filled with methyl methacrylate were used.

Use of interactive-intraoperative guidance during vertebrectomy and anterior spinal fusion with instrumental fixation: technical note.

Anterior decompressive procedures for the treatment of vertebral tumors have become increasingly popular in an attempt to improve the quality of life, relieve pain, and preserve or restore neurologic function. However, these procedures carry a significant rate of complications including hardware failure, due in part to technical factors. A computer-assisted system allowing for precise preoperative planning and real-time intraoperative interactive image localization has been implemented for spine instrumentation to optimize anterior instrumental fixation.

A prospective study of surgically treated acetabular fractures.

Between November 1988 and March 1993, 101 patients with 102 fractures of the acetabulum were referred to the authors' institution. They included 31 both column; 25 transverse associated posterior wall; 16 anterior column associated posterior hemitransverse; 9 posterior wall; 7 posterior column associated posterior wall; 7 anterior column; 5 T shaped; and 2 transverse fractures. Thirteen fractures were excluded, leaving 89 patients with 89 operatively treated fractures available for followup.

[Vertebral fractures and abdominal trauma. A retrospective study based on 415 documented vertebral fractures].

415 spinal fractures were analysed retrospectively. A simultaneous occurrence of vertebral fracture and abdominal trauma was found in 14 patients (3.4%).

[Computerized tomography in the follow-up of skull and brain injuries].

We are reporting on the necessity in CT follow-ups in neurotraumatized patients. According to our large number of patients with severe head trauma, the indication for repeated CT-scans has arrisen as follows: 1. In unconscious patients showing no improvement in their status within the first days and with a hemorrhagic contusion in their initial CT.