Flexion-distraction fracture

Case contributed by Huda B. Gharbia
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Falling from height.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
mri

Loss of height of L1 vertebral body, compression fracture of L1 vertebral body, with disruption of disc superior endplate interface, with slightly retropulsion into spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord at this level.

Disruption of posterior elements at levels of D12, fracture left lamina of L1 and D12.

involving disruption of overlying flavum ligaments.

Disrupted anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments\, and disrupted D12-L1 intervertebral disc .

Hyperintensity signal of the spinal cord at this level.

Case Discussion

Compression fracture of L1 vertebral body, disruption of posterior element of D12 and L1 , compressing the spinal cord at this level, suggestion flexion-distraction thoracolumbar fracture.

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