Expandable versus nonexpandable cages for thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Background: Burst fractures account for more than half of all thoracolumbar fractures and are frequently associated with spine instability and neurological deficit. The anterior approach is favored when decompression of the spinal canal is necessary. We compare two commonly available struts used for anterior approach after corpectomy: expandable versus nonexpandable titanium cages.

Role of motor-evoked potential monitoring in conjunction with temporary clipping of spinal nerve roots in posterior thoracic spine tumor surgery.

Background Context: The vascular supply of the thoracic spinal cord depends on the thoracolumbar segmental arteries. Because of the small size and ventral course of these arteries in relation to the dorsal root ganglion and ventral root, they cannot be reliably identified during surgery by anatomic or morphologic criteria. Sacrificing them will most likely result in paraplegia.

Traumatic central cord syndrome: results of surgical management.

Object: The authors compare clinical outcomes demonstrated in patients with traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) who underwent early (< or = 24 hours after injury) or late (> 24 hours after injury) surgery.

Methods: The clinical characteristics, radiographic findings, surgery-related results, length of hospital stay (LOS), and clinical outcomes obtained in 50 patients with surgically treated traumatic CCS were reviewed retrospectively. Shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay and LOS were observed in all patients who underwent early surgery compared with those who underwent late surgery.