Der Unfallchirurg
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In the Department of Surgery in the University Hospital "Bergmannsheil" in Bochum, 67 patients with unstable injuries of the thoracic and lumbar spine were analyzed in a retrospective study. The sagittal correction loss was greatest about 6 months after dorsal stabilization--6 degrees on the average--after stabilization with a plate alone. The correction loss after stabilization with plates combined with the Universal Spine Instrumentation System (USIS), which was developed for ventral derotational spondylodesis or after implantation of an internal fixation device, however, amounted to 3 degrees on the average. ⋯ This occurred equally often with all types of implants. Efficient use of the three systems is discussed with regard to the different pathomechanical modes of injury. A causative scheme of treatment is presented.