Abstract
Introduction
Traumatic quadriplegia is one of most serious conditions of cervical spine trauma, in almost all cases where the spinal cord is transected there is instability in three columns of vertebral column. Thus, 360-degree fusion is needed.
Patients and Methods
A total of 12 patients with traumatic cervical spine fracture with transected spinal cord were operated only by anterior cervical fusion with anterior plating during the period from July 2011 to December 2013. Intraoperative cervical traction was done, 11 patients iliac bone graft was used after anterior decompression.
Results
All cases were reduced adequately and posterior fusion was not done, only Philadelphia neck collar kept for 3 months. Time of surgery was reduced. Three months' follow-up showed that there was no recent obvious radiological instability. Hospital stay was reduced and consequently bed-ridden hospital acquired infections were reduced.
Conclusion
Anterior fusion in traumatic cervical fractures with transected spinal cord is time saving and suitable for patients with complete quadriplegia and if spinal shock is present. Provided that, it was reduced with intraoperative cervical traction. But long-term follow-up is necessary.