Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

09:24
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
18.2K
Thoracic Fracture-Dislocation with Complete Vertebral Body Translation and Spinal Cord Transection: A Case Report.
Ryosuke Negishi1,2, Eiji Takasawa1, Yasunori Sorimachi2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
JBJS Case Connector
|January 8, 2026
Summary
This case study details managing a complete thoracic spinal cord transection after a severe fracture dislocation. Prompt surgical stabilization and dural repair are crucial for preventing complications in such rare injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Complete thoracic spinal cord transection is a devastating injury.
- Motorcycle accidents are a common cause of severe spinal trauma.
- Delayed surgical intervention can lead to secondary complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of complete thoracic spinal cord transection.
- To illustrate a surgical management strategy for this rare injury.
- To highlight the importance of prompt surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- A 46-year-old male with T8 vertebral dislocation and complete spinal cord transection underwent urgent surgery.
- Surgical procedures included posterior fixation, bone grafting, duraplasty, and spinal cord stump-plasty.
- Postoperative care focused on monitoring for complications and rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- Neurological status remained unchanged postoperatively.
- Minimal cerebrospinal fluid leakage resolved without significant complications.
- The patient achieved stability and wheelchair mobility.
Conclusions:
- Early surgical stabilization and dural repair are vital for managing complete thoracic spinal cord transection.
- This case demonstrates a viable approach to a rare and severe injury.
- Preventing life-threatening complications is a key goal in managing such cases.
Keywords:
duraplastyspinal cord stump-plastyspinal cord transectionthoracic fracture dislocationtraumatic spinal cord injuryMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-I
Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

