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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
A case of dual three-column thoracic spinal fractures following traumatic injury
Taylor Waitt1, Vamsi Reddy1, Dayton Grogan1
1Departments of Neurosurgery, Augusta University Hospital, Augusta, Georgia, United States.
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.
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