Vertebral Fractures eMedicine Medicine

Description: Vertebral fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine are usually associated with major trauma and can cause spinal cord damage that results in neural deficits. Each vertebral region has unique anatomical and functional features that result in specific injuries. This article reviews the mechanisms and management of individual injuries in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.
Synonyms and related keywords: Chance fracture, seatbelt syndrome, pathologic fracture, wedge fracture, compression fracture, spinal cord injury, spinal cord injuries, vertebra fracture, broken back, thoracic spinal cord injury, thoracolumbar spinal fracture, burst fracture, seat belt fracture, seatbelt fracture, flexion-rotation injury, flexion-distraction injury, shear injury, flexion-rotation fracture, flexion-distraction fracture, shear fracture, osteoporosis, osteoporosis fracture, bone disease, brittle bone, back pain, vertebral body fracture, Pott disease, Pott's disease, tuberculous spondylitis, tuberculosis spondylitis, osteomyelitis, sagittal slice fracture, posterior lumbar interspinous fusion, PLIF, Z-plate anterior thoracolumbar plating system, anterior arthrodesis
Authors Reiter, Shneiderman, Alexander & Godorov 2004