Burst fracture - thoracic spine

Case contributed by RMH Core Conditions
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall off horse.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female

Comminuted burst fracture T6. Anterior 1/3 of body is severely displaced anteroinferiorly and to the right, lying anterior and to the right of the upper body of T7. Moderately large posterior mediastinal/paravertebral hematoma.

Posterior body is retropulsed with narrowing of spinal canal by approximately 30%. No obvious intracanal hemorrhage.

Subtle undisplaced fractures of posterior aspects of 6th ribs bilaterally.

Case Discussion

Unstable fractures should be communicated clearly to the referrer (preferably verbally as well as in the conclusion of the report). 

The patient subsequently went to have internal fixation of her thoracic spine. 

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