ISSN:
1432-2161
Keywords:
Trauma, thoracolumbar spine
;
Spine, stable and unstable injuries
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract One-hundred and seventeen patients with acute thoracolumbar vertebral column fracture or fracture-dislocations were analyzed and classified into stable (36%) and unstable (64%). Eight helpful roentgen signs were observed that may serve to direct attention to serious underlying, often occult, fractures and dislocations. The changes fall into four principal groups: abnormal soft tissues, abnormal vertebral alignment, abnormal joints, and widened vertebral canal. All stable and unstable lesions showed abnormal soft tissues, while 70% demonstrated kyphosis and/or scoliosis, and an abnormal adjacent intervertebral disk space. All unstable lesions showed one or more of the following signs: displaced vertebra, widened interspinous space, abnormal apophyseal joint(s), and widened vertebral canal.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00361861
