Early outcome of surgical intervention in subaxial cervical spine injuries.

OBJECTIVE To determine the surgical outcome of patients with axial cervical spine fractures. METHODS The study was conducted at the Spine Unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, and Aman Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2012 to March 2013. Patients with sub-axial cervical spine fractures were treated surgically. The outcome was measured using Visual Analogue Score, Neck Disability Index, by neurology and on the basis of complications. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the 50 patients in the study, 7(14%) were females, while 43(86%) were male. Overall mean age was 30.3±7.9 years (range: 18-60 years). Major cause of injury was road traffic accidents in 29(58%). A total of 29(58%) patients had dislocation of the spine which was successfully reduced in 22(75.9%). Mean postoperative visual analogue score was 2.9±1.5 (range: 1-7) at last follow-up. Mean neck disability index score was 10.9±5.2 (range: 4-26). Dysphagia was the most common complication in 12(24%). CONCLUSIONS Majority of the sub-axial fractures can be treated effectively with good outcome through anterior approach. Gradual axial skull traction is an easy and safe method for reduction of cervical fracture dislocations.