Anca Mitulescu

Double approach in thoraco-lumbar malunions

Thoracolumbar fractures (T11–L2) complicated by malunion often need surgery. In our hands two approaches are necessary for release and fusion. Correction is obtained by posterior bending in situ of a screw rod fixation. When the deformity is flexible, first we perform a posterior reduction and stabilization, and secondly an anterior approach for interbody fusion. When spine is rigid an anterior release with waiting bone graft is performed first followed by a second posterior reduction and stabilization. This strategy allows a real correction without the loss of correction in time. This technique is fast and safe as demonstrated in our series of 20 patients.

10th International European association of research groups for spinal osteosynthesis symposium: thoracolumbar fractures

This year’s ARGOS International Symposium, held in Paris, January 26–27, focused on thoracolumbar fractures and their assessment. Indeed this topic is of high interest for spine surgeons around the world as the treatment of thoracolumbar is still a matter of debate. As in every year, over 250 attendees gathered at the Salons d’Iena eager to exchange their ideas and different points of view in the well-established friendly and collegial atmosphere of ARGOS meetings. Together with the faculty members, who covered most of the issues related to this particularly hot topic, they tried to better understand thoracolumbar fractures mechanisms and define therapeutic patterns.

Sixth International Argos Symposium: Lumbar and lumbo-sacral fusions: Operative indications and surgical strategies

The Sixth International Argos Symposium was held January 30 and February 1, 2002, in Paris, France, at the ‘‘Salons des Arts et Métiers’’. More than 300 participants from around the world convened to discuss a controversial topic: fusion of the lumbar and lumbo-sacral spine. The opulent surroundings and collegial atmosphere belied the vigorous, and rigorous, dialogue that ensued. Perhaps the only area of complete agreement among all the participants was that operative technique and surgical skill could not overcome poor indications for surgical intervention. The specific discussion of indications related to lumbar stenosis coupled with spinal instability or misalignment. As with any discussion of indications, common ground could be found but consensus could not be reached. More controversial yet was the subsequent discussion of procedure type and extent.