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Thoracic spine translocation without cord injury
A H Simpson1, D M Williamson, S J Golding
1Oxford Regional Computed Tomography Unit, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Headington, England.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Thoracic spine translocation, a rare injury, can occur without nerve damage due to
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Thoracic spine translocation is a severe spinal injury.
- Neurological deficit is a common complication.
Observation:
- Three cases of thoracic spine translocation without neurological deficit were analyzed.
- Bilateral pedicular fractures resulted in "floating arches".
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral pedicular fractures causing "floating arches" in all cases.
- These fractures protected the spinal cord, preventing neurological deficit.
Implications:
- CT assessment of spinal canal dimensions is crucial for treatment decisions.
- Conservative management may be suitable if the spinal canal is adequate.
- Operative stabilization is the preferred treatment at specialist centers.