EARLY ORTHOTICS IN COMPLEX TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURES OF THE THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE

Objective. To compare the results of treatment of compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae in children by classical func- tional extension and by early orthotics with hyperextension braces. Material and Methods. The study included 175 children aged 3 to 18 years with vertebral compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. In the study group (32 patients), early orthotics with a rigid hyperextension brace was used, in the control group (143 patients) – a standard Gorinevskaya – Dreving’s technique followed by wearing a semi-rigid brace. Results. In the study group, the average vertebral compression ratio was 63 %, WI – 0.6–0.8, and vertebral body height restoration was observed in 90.5 % of cases. In the control group, the average compression ratio was 75 %, WI – 0.75–0.9, and abnormal wedging of verte- bral bodies after the treatment was observed in 48.0 % of patients. In the study group, the length of hospital stay was reduced, the mode of physical activity in the early stages was increased with better and faster restoration of vertebral bodies in comparison with the control group. Conclusion. Application of hyperextension braces shortens hospital stay, contributes to the complete restoration of the height and shape of the damaged vertebral body, and allows for more early returning the children to the familiar social environment.