چكيده لاتين :
One of the important issues in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with
trauma to the cervical spine is the stability of injured segment of vertebral column. This study was
performed to compare the success rate and capacities of nonsurgical (halo cast) versus surgical
management of lower cervical spine injuries.
Methods: Forty patients admitted to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical
Sciences, Shiraz, Iran with such injuries were divided into two equal groups (halo cast versus
surgery). In each group, cases were divided into three categories, based on the type of lesion. The
percentage of sagittal subluxation and the degree of sagittal angulation were chosen as the criteria
for assessing the treatment outcome; each of these indices was measured on radiographical
images, which were recorded at the time of admission and six months later.
Results: MelTlbers of both groups showed significant improvements in the measured indices.
The amount of correction in subluxation was not significantly different between the two groups;
however, surgical approach resulted in a significantly better correction of angulation.
Conclusion: Nonsurgical approach can be an acceptable alternative to surgical correction in
selected patients with various lower cervical spine injuries.
