The radiographic description of thoracolumbar fractures

Significant roentgenographic parameters for evaluating the flexibility of acute thoracolumbar burst fractures

“…After fracture, an anteriorly eccentric compression may force the vertebra into kyphosis [12,17]. The radiographic geometry of the neutral position in our specimens had similar values to those found in clinical studies, including the anterior and posterior vertebral heights, and the angle of the local kyphosis [8,9,14,17,24,27,29].…”

“…However, CT scanning has shown that many burst fractures had disruption of the posterior ele-ments, such as laminar fractures or apophyseal joint separation, and therefore were considered unstable [10,12,13,15,18]. Increasing evidence of progressive or post-traumatic kyphosis and neurological deficits has required further evaluation of their stability [3,16,17,26].…”

Fratura toracolombar explosão: confiabilidade do método de guerra na análise tomográfica

“…Few studies assessed the sagittal behavior of retropulsed fragments. Jelsma et al 16 , in a study with 40 patients, described the origin of the fragment in these fractures, being sourced from the posterosuperior region of the vertebral body. Guerra et al 9 , in turn, documented 10 cases of thoracolumbar burst fractures, with fragments coming from the posterosuperior margin of vertebral canal, with 30% of the cases migrating 3 to 8 millimeters towards head or tail, and showed 30 -150º of rotation.…”

Dural Tears in Spinal Burst Fractures: Predictable MR Imaging Findings

“…18 Although the clinical significance of dural lacerations caused by burst fractures remains to be assessed, dural lacerations can result in diffusion of the blood within the subdural space, leak of CSF leading to pseudomeningocele, trapping of herniated nerve roots, and delayed scars involving the neural structures. 9,12,[19][20][21][22][23][24] Therefore, a number of observations suggest that knowledge of the actual presence of dural tears in patients with spinal fractures could represent a relevant adjunct to the rationale for optimal management. 9,14,16 Identification of dural tears through imaging techniques or surgical approach is also important for preventing further neurologic injury and promoting neurologic recovery during the treatment of spinal burst fractures.…”