Citation

Waitt T, Reddy V, Grogan D, Lane P, Kilianski J, DeVine J, Post A. Surg. Neurol. Int. 2020; 11: e150.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Medknow Publishing)

DOI

10.25259/SNI_189_2020

PMID

32637203 PMCID

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Thoracic spine fracture-dislocations due to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) rarely involve double- level, noncontiguous lesions.

Case Description: A 19-year-old male following an MVA was paraplegic; he exhibited full motor/sensory loss below the T4 level (i.e., ASIA scale Grade A). The chest X-ray, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography studies confirmed T3-T5 and T11-12 fractures, warranting T3-L3 thoracolumbar decompression and fusion. Despite surgical intervention, the patient's neurological status remained unchanged.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the rare presentation of noncontiguous, posttraumatic thoracic spinal lesions requiring simultaneous decompression/fixation.

Language: en

Keywords

Trauma; Noncontiguous spinal injury; Spondyloptosis; Thoracic spinal injury