PURPOSE To evaluate the configuration of vertebral body fractures in flexion-distraction injuries of thoracolumbar spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated the location of fractures, anterior or posterior vertebral body height, kyphotic angle of injured segments, canal encroachment and severity of comminution on radiologic examinations of 21 cases. RESULTS There were 11 compression fractures and 9 burst fractures. 85% of fractures were located in the inferior vertebrae of injured segments. Anterior vertebral height decreased by 27% on average with decrease of 18% in compression fractures and 40% in burst fractures. Posterior height decreased by 1% on average with increase of 1% in compression fractures and decrease of 4% in burst fractures. The average kyphotic angle of injured segments was 19.5 degrees with 15.4degrees in compression fractures and 26.8 degrees in burst fractures. The canal encroachment in 9 burst fractures was 27% on average, and the comminution of vertebral body was mild in 74%. CONCLUSION The fracture of vertebral body in flexion-distraction injuries of thoracolumbar spine was very common, and located on the inferior vertebrae of injured segment. The decrease of vertebral height, canal encroachment and severity of comminution was relatively less than the estimated from mechanism of injury, with offset effect of distraction force.
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Differences in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures by Falls from Height with Associated Foot and Ankle Fractures Chung-Shik Shin, Eea-Sub Chung, Chang-Eon Yu, Byeong-Yeol Choi Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery.2012; 19(2): 47. CrossRef
PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between fracture stability and functional results, and analyze the correlation between stability factors and the outcome in intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of the 231 patients, 84 patients with age above 60 were able to follow up for minimum 6 months. We measured the sliding length of the lag screw, varus degree, position of lag screw, reduction status and medialization of distal fragment radiologically. The functional outcome of the treatment was evaluated with the Clawson's result classification and we evaluated the correlation between the radiological results of measurement and the functional recovery depending on the Evans fracture classification. RESULTS There were good results in 40 cases out of 51 stable fractures, and in 10 cases out of 33 unstable fractures (p<0.001). In case of sliding of lag screw more than 10 mm, good results were obtained in 4 cases, and poor in 21. And in case of sliding less than 10 mm, good results were obtained in 46, and poor in 13 (p<0.001). But there was no relationship between other radiologic factors and clinical results. In unstable type, there were 12 cases with lag screw sliding more than 10 mm and 10 cases with less than 10 mm. In comminuted type, there were 11 cases with lag screw sliding more than 10 mm and 2 cases with less than 10 mm (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The sliding of lag screw more than 10 mm may result in poor outcome. As in comminuted unstable pattern, sliding of lag screw might be excessive, the use of compression hip screw alone is not a good treatment option.
PURPOSE To evaluation of usefulness of low-intensity ultrasound for nonunion and delayed union. MATERIALS AND METHODS For 5 months, we treated 7 delayed union and 8 nonunion using low-intensity ultrasound. After 5 months, in checked X-ray AP and Lateral view, when cortical bridge formation was done, we through union. RESULTS In 7 delayed union, 5 cases-2 femur, tibia, humerus, radius were healed. In 8 nonunion, 3 femur nonunion were healed. Union rate was 71% in delayed union 37.5% in nonunion. CONCLUSION we thought that the low-intensity ultrasound has capacity of induction of union and was considered as the method of treatment for delayed union.
We reviewed fifteen cases of tibial condylar fractures, especially, Schatzker type VI treated with hybrid method from January 1995 to May 1997. We attained satisfactory bony union in all cases. There were not serious complications such as deep wound infection and severe angular deformity, but partial ankylosis. After operation, the patients could do knee motion exercise immediately and had no difficulty in getting maintenance of reduction and fracture healing. In conclusions, the hybrid method is an excellent treatment in soft tissue care, maintenance of reduction, and early ambulation and fracture healing in the cases of tibial condylar fractures.