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Spinous process fractures in a jockey: a case report
1Musculoskeletal MRI, Advanced Radiology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|July 13, 1999
Summary
This case report highlights spinous process fractures in the thoracic spine, often missed on standard X-rays. Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing these injuries and preventing long-term complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Spinous process fractures are commonly avulsion injuries of the lower cervical spine.
- Diagnosis in the thoracic spine can be challenging due to overlying structures.
Observation:
- A case report details spinous process fractures at T-2, T-3, and T-4 vertebral levels.
- Conventional radiographs obscured the fractures.
- Axial and sagittal CT images provided optimal visualization.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) is superior to conventional radiography for visualizing thoracic spinous process fractures.
- Fractures at T-2, T-3, and T-4 were identified using CT.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of spinous process fractures is essential to prevent nonunion and chronic sequelae.
- CT evaluation is recommended for suspected thoracic spinous process fractures when conventional radiography is limited.