Apophyseal ring fractures are rare injuries that may be associated with lumbar disc herniation in young patients. We report a unique case in the literature of a 15-year-old male patient who played football and was admitted at our service complaining of sciatica radiating into the left leg. An apophysial ring injury of L5 vertebral body was observed. This injury caused two extruded disc herniation in adjacent levels. Surgical procedure was indicated after failure of conservative treatment.

Objective: To conduct cross-sectional study identifying the profile of the Brazilian spinal surgeon. Methods: Data were collected through a questionnaire with multiple alternatives during two major events for spine surgery at national level in 2011, the Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Coluna (Congress of the Brazilian Spine Society) and Simpósio Internacional de Coluna (International Spine Symposium, SINCOL). The data were submitted to statistical analysis comparing and stratifying the information obtained according to the profile. Results: We obtained 182 questionnaires answered by orthopedists and neurosurgeons with peculiarities and similarities on their medical management. Conclusions: The data obtained in this study may be important for the development of health policies in the spine surgery in Brazil.Keywords: Spine; Orthopedics; Neurosurgery; Cross-sectional studies; Brazil. RESUMO

Objective To compare the Schanz screw insertion angle and the loss of the regional kyphosis correction in thoracolumbar burst fractures following posterior short instrumentation surgery. Methods Patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture between levels T11-L2 were divided into two groups (parallel and divergent) according to the angle formed between the Schanz screw and the vertebral plateau. Regional kyphosis was evaluated in preoperative, immediate postoperative and last follow-up radiographs. Results Of the 58 patients evaluated, 31 had a parallel assembly and 27 had a divergent assembly. When we analyzed the angle of kyphosis, no statistical difference was observed between the pre- and postoperative radiographs. However, a statistical difference in the last follow-up radiographs and in the final loss of the kyphosis correction was confirmed. Conclusion The insertion of Schanz screws with a divergent assembly presents better radiographic results with less loss of kyphosis correction angle when compared with the parallel assembly technique. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective cohort study.