Post-operative neurological outcomes in patients of dorsolumbar fractures with incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Despite recent advances in understanding spinal mechanics, injury mechanisms, improved instrumentation, better imaging techniques and improved rehabilitative care, the management of spinal cord injury patients remain controversial. In this study we try to analyse neurological outcomes in cases of incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) of dorsolumbar spine treated by decompression and posterior fixation at our centre. Methods: 36 patients with incomplete SCI due to dorsolumbar fractures which were operated in our centre between May 2017 and January 2019 were included in our study. The neurological status of these cases was assessed using American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale before and after surgery and at follow ups of 1 month, 2 month, 3 month and 6 months. Results: The mean age of patients in our study was 33.7 years with most patients in 26-40 years that is the young working age group. There were 22 males and 14 females. Most common cause leading to SCI was found to be fall from height. 24 cases out of 36 showed improvement of 1 or more grades in their ASIA Impairment Scale. Conclusion: Operative fixation of dorsolumbar fractures achieves early mobilisation and rehabilitation in cases of Incomplete SCI. Our study indicates that neurological status also improves in such patients after operative fixation.