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Surgically treated Chance fracture of L1

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Involved in high speed motor vehicle accident (seatbelt applied). Chance fracture of L1 treated with metallic stabilization procedure

Patient Data

Age: 20
Gender: Male

PreOp scan at time of injury

ct

Typical hyperflexion Chance fracture of L1 with compression of the vertberal body and horizontal fractures traversing the pedicles, transverse processes and spinous process with a gap in the spinous process fracture fragments.

CT at 1 mth postOp

ct

Following reduction of the fractures and insertion of bipedicular screws at T12 (above) and L2 (below) the fracture sites, alignment is now almost anatomical

Case Discussion

Given that all 3 spinal "columns" (Denis) are disruptured, this is a highly unstable injury that is surgically treated to prevent progressive kyphosis.  Treatment is by metallic stabilization (above and below) in extension after fracture reduction.

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