DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CONCOMITANT INJURIES TO THE SPINE AND FEET

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the efficacy of single-step early surgical interventions for the treatment of patients with concomitant injuries to the spine and calcanea.

Material and Methods. Forty three patients at the age of 18–55 years (mean age 36.5 years) with concomitant injuries to the spine and calcanea were operated on. The study group included 31 (72.1 %) patients, and the control group – 12 (27.9 %) patients. Groups were formed basing on surgical technique used for calcaneum injury treatment while the spine injury was treated by the same technique in both groups. Patients from both groups were examined using similar clinical, radiological, and statistical methods. The spine was assessed for the presence of kyphosis, pain, and neurologic symptoms, the feet – for skin integrity, edema degree, motion disorders in foot joints, and sensitivity disorders.

Results. One year results of surgical treatment were assessed as good in 2 (16.70 %) control and 14 (45.6 %) study-group patients; as satisfactory in 2 (16.70 %) control and in 14 (45.60 %) study-group patients; and as unsatisfactory in 8 (66.70 %) control and in 3 (9.68 %) studygroup patients. Oswestry Index was 76.0 ± 6.6 in the control group, and 82.0 ± 7.6 in the study group.

Conclusion. Early single-step and one-stage surgical treatment of spine and foot injuries allows reducing hospitalization time, preserving feet function in calcaneum fracture, shortening rehabilitation period, and eventually improving the treatment outcome.