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Extension-distraction fracture of the first lumbar vertebra
1Department of Surgery, University of Alabama Medical Center, Birmingham, USA.
Study Design:
This is a case report of an unusual fracture of the first lumbar vertebra in which the mechanism of injury appears to have been an extension-distraction force. The case report elucidates the patient's initial presentation at the time of injury, the treatment instituted, and follow-up revealing satisfactory healing of the fracture 18 months later.
Objectives:
The case is reported to illustrate an usual injury that had not been previously reported.
Summary Of Background Data:
History, physical examination, and imaging studies from the time of injury, after initial treatment, and at final follow-up are presented.
Methods:
A case report is presented in which a fall subjected a patient's stiff, osteopenic spine to an extension moment, resulting in tension failure of the bony elements of the anterior and middle columns. Plain radiographs, tomograms, and a magnetic resonance image detail the injury pattern; plain radiographs are presented as follow-up images.
Results:
Nonoperative treatment in this case led to a satisfactory outcome at 18 months follow-up.
Conclusion:
An unusual extension-distraction fracture of the spine is presented, which, in this case, was satisfactorily treated nonoperatively.