TITLE:
Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture-Dislocation without Neurological Deficit: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
AUTHORS:
Roger Mulumba Ilunga, Abdoulaye Diop, Mohameth Faye, Vital Nacoulma, Nicaise Akodjetin Mahougnon Sodjinou, Momar Codé Ba
KEYWORDS:
Spine Fracture-Dislocation, Thoracolumbar Spine, Spine Surgery, Trauma
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.11 No.5,
May
13,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background: Thoracolumbar spine fracture-dislocations are very unstable and usually
secondary to high energy trauma. Due to disruption of the entire vertebrae
columns, the absence of neurological deficit is exceptional. Aim: The
purpose of this work is to report our experience in the management of this
entity in a context of limited resources and to make a review of the
literature. Case presentation: A 30-year-old man was admitted with a
severe low back pain after a traffic accident. Neurological functions were
intact after examination. Radiological assessments revealed a complete L3-L4
fracture-dislocation. The patient underwent an
open posterior reduction and internal long segment fixation. The post-operative
was marked by a surgical site infection treated with surgical debridement and
targeted antibiotic therapy. The neurological functions were preserved. Conclusion: Fracture-dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine are caused by high energy trauma and are remarkably unstable lesions. When
they are associated with intact neurorological functions, reduction and
stabilization of these fractures are a challenge.