Open access journal
Traumatic spinal cord injury with associated long-bone fractures, timing of spinal stabilization vs. fixation and effect on outcomes
By Mazi Mohammed Alanazi, Faisal Ahmed Alshalan, Layan Tareq Aldhowayan and 8 others.
Abstract
Background
Traumatic spinal cord injury with associated long-bone fractures is a surgical priority. Spinal decompression targets neurological recovery, and fracture fixation target skeletal stability and rehabilitation. This review examined timing, operative sequencing, and clinical outcomes.
Methods
Literature published from inception to 31 May 2026 was searched. We include ten original studies organized into data involving concurrent spinal cord injury and limb fractures or indirect evidence concerning spinal surgery and polytrauma fracture fixation. Heterogeneity supported narrative synthesis rather than pooled estimation.
