The Role of Intraoperative Ultrasonography in the Treatment of Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fractures

The technique of intraoperative ultrasonography is outlined in detail and examples of normal spinal canal anatomy are shown. Twenty-three patients with unstable thoracic and lumbar spine fractures were prospectively treated with Harrington rod reduction and fusion using intraoperative ultrasonography. The pathology at all levels studied corresponded exactly to that seen on preoperative myelograms and computed tomography scans. Intradural pathology also was seen clearly in four patients. This technique makes the use of Harrington rod reduction and posterolateral decompression a possibly safer and more effective method of treating these fractures.