Background: Although severe cervical compressive-extension (CE) injuries are usually repaired using a combined anterior-posterior approach, the repair is possible using a posterior approach alone with reliable anchors. This study aimed to present the outcomes and imaging analysis results of posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) for severe CE injuries.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients who underwent PCDF surgery for severe CE injuries (>50% subluxation) between January 2012 and December 2018. All patients completed 1-year follow-up, and their mean age at the time of surgery was 63.5 years. American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade, kyphotic angle of lower vertebra (KALV), and anterior defect area of lower vertebra (ADLV) were assessed preoperatively.
Results: Of 16 patients, nine patients improved at the final follow-up, and eight patients could walk with or without assistance. All patients achieved bone union postoperatively, but four patients showed progression of correction loss of ≥10°. Therefore, patients were divided into two groups: NL group with correction loss of <10°; L group with correction loss of ≥10°. All patients in L group showed KALV of ≥15°, while 10 of 12 patients in NL group showed KALV of <15°. Furthermore, all patients in L group showed ADLV of ≥50%, whereas all patients in NL group showed ADLV of <50%.
Conclusions: PCDF is feasible and a favorable procedure for severe CE injuries that require early reduction and cervical spinal stabilization. However, in the cases of advanced destruction of the anterior vertebra, loss of correction after PCDF might occur postoperatively.
Keywords: Cervical spine; Compressive-extension injury; Posterior cervical decompression and fusion; Spinal cord injuries.
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