Distraction injury to thoracic spine treated with thoracoscopic dual-rod fixation.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2006

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Thoracic hyperextension fracture-dislocation is a rare pattern of traumatic spinal injury, typically associated with gross spinal instability and severe neurological deficit. These extremely unstable injuries require internal fixation despite their potentially benign clinical presentation.

PURPOSE: We present a patient with a thoracic distraction injury who remained neurologically intact.

METHODS: The patient underwent thoracoscopic reduction and anterior fixation of the thoracic spine using a paired screw-rod construct.

RESULTS: Postoperatively, the patient remained neurologically intact and had no complications related to his thoracic fixation and fusion. Follow-up radiographs showed maintenance of thoracic alignment and bony fusion.

CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approach to the anterior thoracic spine was an excellent treatment option for this thoracic distraction injury.

Volume

6

Issue

3

First Page

330

Last Page

334

ISSN

1529-9430

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

16651230

Department(s)

Department of Surgery Faculty

Document Type

Article

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