"Fracture-dislocation of thoracic vertebrae without neurological compromise is rare. Those fracture-dislocations with preservation of neurological function tend to occur between T6 to T10 2. This is due to the fact that spinous processes extend farther inferiorly in this region. Consequently, strong shear forces would be concentrated in the middle column leading to pedicle fractures and spontaneous spinal decompression (relieving deformities that narrow the spinal canal)."
"Classification "
"Treatment and prognosis "
"Under the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) classification, a spinal dislocation corresponds to one of two morphologies:"
"Under the AO Spine classification of thoracolumbar injuries, a spinal dislocation is a type C (translation) injury."
"Maintaining spinal immobilisation precautions is imperative in these patients. The main treatment goals are realignment and fixation of involved vertebrae to avoid any further neurological deficits 3. The neurologic prognosis depends on the initial neurologic evaluation (e.g. ASIA impairment scale for spinal injury) and early course in rehabilitation."
Expected headings
"Classification "
"Treatment and prognosis "
"In the Denis classification, fracture-dislocation is one of the major injury types, involving failure of all three columns. There are three subtypes depending on mechanism:"