|
East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 19, No. 1, 2014, pp. 129-132
|
Bioline Code: js14022
Full paper language: English
Document type: Case Report
Document available free of charge
|
|
East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2014, pp. 129-132
en |
Contiguous Lower Lumbar Fracture-dislocation plus Morel-Lavallee Lesion. N.S.
Motsitsi, N.S.
Abstract
Background: Burst fractures constitutes up to one-fifth of spinal fractures. The mechanism of
injury is axial compressive force. Additional forces may be involved, like flexion, extension and
rotation. The thoraco-lumbar junction is the area commonly involved. Neurological injury occurs
in 8% to 18% of cases. Multiple burst fractures occur in about 10% of cases and about 53%
of these are non-contiguous. Contiguous burst fracture-dislocations of the lower lumbar
spine are very rare: one case has been reported so far.
Case Report: We report a case of a young female who sustained a contiguous fracturedislocation
in the lumbo-sacral area plus extensive closed degloving injury of the spine.
The mechanism of injury was a direct force. A computed tomography scan showed burst
fractures of the lower lumbar spine. Magnetic Resonance Imaging demonstrated mechanical
compression of the cauda equina. Fracture-dislocations were confirmed intra-operatively.
Decompression, posterior fixation and bone-grafting were done. Post-operative recovery was
uneventful. She made full neurological recovery within a year.
Keywords
contiguous; burst; lumbar; dislocation; Morel-Lavallee
|
|
© Copyright 2014 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
|
|