Thoracic Spine Fractures and Dislocations eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Thoracic spine fractures, especially those resulting from high energy, can be devastating, often resulting in permanent neurologic injury. Neurologic deficit is encountered in 10-25% of all spinal column injuries, irrespective of the level of injury. A deficit occurs in 15-20% of all thoracolumbar injuries. In the event of a complete neurologic injury, very few patients regain any useful motor function. Concomitant neurologic injury with spine fractures also adversely affects long-term survival.
Synonyms and related keywords: spinal column injury, thoracolumbar injuries, neurologic injury, thoracic spine fractures, Denis classification, pedicle screw fixation
Leahy & Rahm 2007