Abstract
The aim of this study is to compare the results of non-operative and anterior operative treatment of cervical burst and flexion teardrop fractures. Sixty-nine consecutive patients treated during 1980 to 1995 were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-four of them had been treated with skull traction or halo-vest and 35 with anterior decompression, bone grafting and fixation by an anterior Caspar plate. Neurological functioning on admission and at the end of the follow-up was assessed by using Frankel’s classification. Kyphosis and spinal canal encroachment by retropulsed fragments were measured radiographically. Operatively treated patients recovered more often with at least one Frankel grade (P = 0.027) and presented less narrowing of the spinal canal (P = 0.0006) and kyphotic deformity (P = 0.00003) at the end of the follow-up. In comparison with the conservative methods, the operative Caspar technique provided superior decompression and fixation as well as promoted the healing of cord injuries caused by burst and flexion teardrop fractures.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 23 March 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Koivikko, M., Myllynen, P., Karjalainen, M. et al. Conservative and operative treatment in cervical burst fractures. Arch Orth Traum Surg 120, 448–451 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004029900129
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004029900129