Steffee plating in management of fracture spine

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of a broken back has carried an ominous prognosis, since antiquity. In the writings of ancient Egyptians, as recorded in Edwn Smith papers, traumatic quadriplegia was considered a, “condition not to be treated “. However, with modern treatment, the outlook towards these patients have changed for the better. Results: Case series consisted of 33 cases, follow up period was from 5 months to 4 years. In most of the cases, implant removal was done after one to one and half years, depeding upon fusion, reduction & bone implant relationship. In most of the patients good fusion in reduced position with no loosening around implants were noted. Conclusion: Since pedicular screws & plates, Steffee variable screw placement (VSP type) fits on both sides of spine, they maintain the reduced and decompressed spine till such a time, when bony fusion occurs, since less load is shared by each plate.