Is non-operative management of severe blunt splenic injury safer than embolization or surgery? Results from a French prospective multicenter study.

Purpose Of The Study: The management of the severe blunt splenic injuries remains debated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the morbidity and mortality of splenic injury according to severity and management (surgery, embolization, non-operative management [NOM]).

Methods: A prospective multicenter study was conducted including patients aged 16 years and older with diagnosed splenic injury.

Odontoid process fracture osteosynthesis with a direct screw fixation technique in nine consecutive cases.

The authors present their experience with surgical treatment of odontoid process fractures using a direct screw fixation technique via an anterolateral retropharyngeal approach. Nine consecutive patients have been operated on with this technique. There were two deaths unrelated to the surgery, and anatomical union with conservation of the craniospinal hinge mobility was achieved in the remaining seven patients.

Treatment of severe lesions of the lower cervical spine (C3-C7). A clinical study and technical considerations in 102 cases.

The authors report 102 cases of severe lesions of the lower cervical spine, in which operation was mandatory. The characteristics of these fractures are discussed, together with the different operative procedures. Posterior osteosynthesis using Roy-Camille's plates was preferred.