The Slot kyphosis-distraction system was developed for the correction of kyphosis. It consists of distraction system and implants for fixation of the obtained correction, a variation of Zielke's V. D. S. Its advantages are easy application and rigid fixation. We treated four cases of burst fracture of the thoracolumbar spine with the Slot system. We think that burst fracture with severe damage of posterior complex needs anterior and posterior decompression, reduction and fusion by use of Harrington instrumentation. When we operate on such cases with the Slot system, we can remove anterior fragments primarily and fix the injured spine by the distraction system. Its fixation is tolerable for Harrington instrumentation. In cases with mild damage to posterior complex or where fusion of two discs is required we can treat them by anterior fusion only. Rigid fixation is obtained by Slot implants.
Introduction of the Slot system in the surgical treatment of burst fracture gives us safety and rigid fixation.
