Unstable spinal fractures require urgent surgical intervention to relieve compression of the spinal cord, correct spinal deformity, stabilise the spine and prevent further neurological injury. We report the case of a young man with a thoracic chance fracture in the setting of a devastating degloving injury, whose fracture was stabilised using minimally invasive, percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. We discuss the advantages of using a minimally invasive technique for spinal fixation and its role in the treatment of complicated, multisystem trauma patients.
2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.