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

Spine J. 2006 May-Jun;6(3):330-4. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2005.04.009.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motorcycles*
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Thoracoscopy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome