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Horace Norrell, MD; Charles B. Wilson, MD

JAMA. 1970;214(3):525-530.

Abstract
The anterior approach to cervical spine fractures and dislocations offers a unique opportunity for the surgeon to directly visualize and treat the lesion producing spinal cord compression, whether it be a herniated disk or bony fragment from the vertebral body. At the same time the spinal instability may be corrected by a vertebral interbody fusion. If the vertebral body has been crushed, it is possible to replace it, preventing the deformity and instability which might produce further damage to the spinal cord. The problems attending prolonged immobilization in skull traction, the traditional management of cervical spine fractures, are avoided and active rehabilitation is instituted immediately following surgery reducing the time required for bed treatment.

Author Affiliations
From the Division of Neurosurgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington. Dr. Wilson is now with the University of California, San Francisco.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Ky 40506 (Dr. Norrell).

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ABSTRACT