Journal of Trauma and Injury

Case Report

Radiological assessment and follow-up of a nonsurgically treated odontoid process fracture after a motor vehicle accident in Egypt: a case report: Ahmad Mokhtar Abodahab; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(4):411-415. Published online November 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2023.0039

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Abstract PDF: An odontoid process fracture is a serious type of cervical spine injury. This injury is categorized into three types based on the location of the fracture. Severe or even fatal neurological deficits can occur due to associated cord injury, which can result in complete quadriplegia. Computed tomography is the primary diagnostic tool, while magnetic resonance imaging is used to evaluate any associated cord injuries. These injuries can occur either directly from the injury or during transportation to the hospital if mishandled. There are two main treatment approaches: surgical fixation or external nonsurgical fixation, with various types and models of fixation devices available. In this case study, computed tomography follow-up confirmed that external fixation can yield successful results in terms of complete healing, even in cases complicated by other factors that may impede healing, such as pregnancy.; Summary

Original Articles

Thoracolumbar spine fracture patterns, etiologies, and treatment modalities in Jordan: Ahmad Almigdad, Sattam Alazaydeh, Mohammad Bani Mustafa, Mu'men Alshawish, Anas Al Abdallat; J Trauma Inj. 2023;36(2):98-104. Published online April 14, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2022.0068

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Spine fractures are a significant cause of long-term disability and socioeconomic burden. The incidence of spine fractures tends to increase with age, decreased bone density, and fall risk. In this study, we evaluated thoracolumbar fractures at a tertiary hospital in Jordan regarding their frequency, etiology, patterns, and treatment modalities.
Methods
The clinical and radiological records of 469 patients with thoracolumbar fractures admitted to the Royal Medical Services from July 2018 to August 2022 were evaluated regarding patients’ age, sex, mechanism of injury, fracture level and pattern, and treatment modalities.
Results
The mean age of patients was 51.24±20.22 years, and men represented 52.3%. Compression injuries accounted for 97.2% of thoracolumbar fractures, and the thoracolumbar junction was the most common fracture location. Falling from the ground level was the most common mechanism and accounted for half of the injuries. Associated neurological injuries were identified in 3.8% of patients and were more common in younger patients. Pathological fractures were found in 12.4% and were more prevalent among elderly patients and women.
Conclusions
Traffic accidents and falling from height were the most common causes of spine fractures in patients younger than 40. However, 70% of spine fractures in women were caused by simple falls, reflecting the high prevalence of osteoporosis among women and the elderly. Therefore, traffic and work safety measures, as well as home safety measures and osteoporosis treatment for the elderly, should be recommended to reduce the risk of spine fractures.; Summary

Adult Trauma Patients with Isolated Thoracolumbar Spinous and Transverse Process Fractures May be Managed Conservatively to Improve Emergency Department Throughput: Kyrillos Awad, Dean Spencer, Divya Ramakrishnan, Marija Pejinovska, Areg Grigorian, Sebastian Schubl, Jeffry Nahmias; J Trauma Inj. 2021;34(1):31-38. Published online February 24, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2020.006

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Traumatic vertebral injuries have a prevalence of 4–5% at level I centers. Studies have demonstrated that isolated thoracolumbar transverse process fractures (iTPF) rarely require brace or surgical interventions. We hypothesized that similarly isolated thoracolumbar spinous process fractures (iSPF) would have less need for bracing and operative interventions than SPFs with associated vertebral body (VB) fractures (SPF+VB). We performed a similar analysis for iTPF compared to transverse process fractures associated with VB injury (TPF+VB).
Methods
In this single-center, retrospective study from 2012 to 2016, patients were classified into iSPF, SPF+VB, iTPF, and TPF+VB groups. Data including the fracture pattern, neurologic deficits, and operative intervention were obtained. The primary outcome studied was the need for bracing and/or surgery. A statistical analysis was conducted.
Results
Of 98 patients with spinous process fractures, 21 had iSPF and 77 had SPF+ VB. No iSPF patients underwent surgery, whereas 24 (31.17%) SPF+VB patients did undergo surgery (p=0.012). In the iSPF group, three patients (15%) received braces only for comfort, whereas 37 (48.68%) of the SPF+VB group required bracing (p=0.058). Of 474 patients with transverse process fractures, 335 had iTPF and 139 had TPF+VB. No iTPF patients underwent surgery, whereas 28 (20.14%) TPF+VB patients did (p≤ 0.001). Of the iTPF patients, six (1.86%) were recommended to receive braces only for comfort, while 68 (50.75%) of the TPF+VB patients required bracing (p<0.001).
Conclusions
No patients with iSPF or iTPF required surgical intervention, and bracing was recommended to patients in these groups for comfort only. It appears that these injures may be safely managed without interventions, calling into question the need for spine consultation.; Summary

Case Reports

Non-Operatively Treated Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture with Posterior Ligamentous Complex Injury: Case Report and Consideration on the Limitation of Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) Score: Woo-Keun Kwon, Jong-Keon Oh, Jun-Min Cho, Taek-Hyun Kwon, Youn-Kwan Park, Hong Joo Moon, Joo Han Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2018;31(2):76-81. Published online August 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2018.31.2.76

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1 Citations

Abstract PDF

Fractures at the thoracolumbar region are commonly followed after major traumatic injuries, and up to 20% of these fractures are known to be burst fractures. Making surgical decisions for these patients are of great interest however there is no golden standard so far. Since the introduction of Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity (TLICS) score in 2007, it has been widely used as a referential guideline for making surgical decisions in thoracolumbar fractures. However, there is still limitations in this system. In this clinical case report, we introduce a L1 burst fracture after motor vehicle injury, who was successfully treated conservatively even while she was graded as a TLICS 5 injury. A case report is presented as well as discussion on the limitations of this grading system.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Nonoperative Management in Intact Burst Fracture Patient With Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score of 5: A Case Report
Gersham J Rainone, Yash Patel, Cody Woodhouse, Ryan Sauber, Alexander Yu
Cureus.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

Long-term Fistula Formation Due to Retained Bullet in Lumbar Spine after Gunshot Injury: Se Il Jeon, Soo Bin Im, Je Hoon Jeong, Jang Gyu Cha; J Trauma Inj. 2017;30(2):51-54. Published online June 30, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.20408/jti.2017.30.2.51

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Abstract PDF: We here report a case of long-term fistula formation due to bullet retention for 30 years in the lumbar spine after a gunshot injury, and describe its treatment. A 62-year-old male visited our hospital due to pus-like discharge from his left flank. The discharge had been present for 30 years, since his recovery from an abdominal gunshot injury. A spine radiography showed radiopaque material in the body of the third lumbar vertebra. Foreign body was removed using an anterolateral retroperitoneal approach. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged 7 days after the operation and was followed-up for 8 months, during which time, the fistula did not reoccur. A bullet retained long term in the vertebral body may cause obstinate osteomyelitis and fistula formation. A fistula caused by a foreign body in the spine can be effectively treated by surgical removal.; Summary

Original Article

Kinematical Characteristics of the Translational and Pendular Movements of each Cervical Vertebra at the Flexion and Extension Motion: Sung Hyuk Park, Han Sung Choi, Hoon Pyo Hong, Young Gwan Ko; J Korean Soc Traumatol. 2006;19(2):126-134.

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Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to determine the kinematical characteristics of the pendular and the translational movements of each cervical vertebra at flexion and extension for understanding the mechanism of injury to the cervical spine.
METHODS
Twenty volunteers, young men (24~37 years), with clinically and radiographically normal cervical spines were studied. We induced two directional passive movements and then took X-ray pictures. The range of pendular movement could be measured by measuring the variation of the distance between the center point of two contiguous cervical vertebrae, and the range of translational movement could be measured by measuring the variation of the shortest distance between the center point of a vertebra and an imaginary line connecting the center points of two lower contiguous cervical vertebrae. The measurements were done by using a picture archiving and communicating system (PACS).
RESULTS
The total length of all cervical vertebrae in the neutral position was, on average, 133.66 mm, but in both flexion and extension, the lengths were widened to 134.83 mm and 134.79 mm, respectively. The directions of both the pendular and the translational movements changed at the 2nd cervical vertebra, and the ranges of both movements were significantly larger from the 5th cervical vertebra to the 7th cervical vertebra for flexion and combined flexion and extension motion (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The kinematical characteristics for flexion and extension motions were variable at each level of cervical vertebrae. The 1st and the 2nd cervical vertebrae and from the 5th to the 7th cervical vertebrae were the main areas of cervical spinal injury. This shows, according to "Hook's law," that the tissues supporting this area could be weak, and that this area is sensitive to injury.; Summary

Case Report

A Gunshot Wounds to the Cervical Spine and the Cervical Spinal Cord: A Case Report: Sung Hwa Paeng; J Korean Soc Traumatol. 2012;25(2):57-62.

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Abstract PDF: Gunshot wounds are rare in Korea, but they have tended to increase recently. We experienced an interesting case of penetrating gunshot injuries to the cervical spine with migration the fragments of the bullet within the dural sac of the cervical spine,so discuss the pathomechanics, treatment and complications of gunshot wounds to the spine and present a review of the literature. A 38-year-old man who had tried to commit suicide with a gun was admitted to our hospital with a penetrating injury to the anterior neck. the patient had quadriplegia. A Computed tomography (CT) scan and 3-dimensional CT of the spine showed destruction of the left lateral mass and lamina of the 5th cervical vertebra; the bullet and fragments were found at the level of the 5th cervical vertebra. The posterior approach was done. A total laminectomy and removal of the lateral mass of the 5th cervical vertebrae were performed, and bone fragments and pellets were removed from the spinal canal, but an intradurally retained pellets were not totally removed. A dural laceration was noted intraoperatively, and CSF leakage was observed, so dura repair was done watertightly with prolene 6-0. The dura repair site was covered with fibrin glue and Tachocomb(R) Immediately, a lumbar drain was done. Radiographs included a postoperative CT scan and X-rays. The postoperative neurological status of the patient was improved compared with the preoperative neurological status. however, the patients developed symptoms of menigitis. He received lumbar drainage(200~250 cc/day) and ventilator care. After two weeks, panperitonitis due to duodenal ulcer perforation was identified. Finally, the patient died because of sepsis.; Summary

Original Articles

Predictive Factors for MDCT as a Primary Survey in Traumatic Cervical Spine Injury: Guen E Pak, Chul Han, Young Duck Cho, Jung Youn Kim, Young Hoon Yoon, Sung Woo Lee, Sung Woo Moon, Sung Hyuk Choi; J Korean Soc Traumatol. 2011;24(1):18-24.

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Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Missing cervical pathology after injury may lead to disability and influence long-term survival. Controversies continue to evolve concerning the initial screening methods used to predict cervical spine injury. Through a retrospective chart review, we attempted to analyze and propose factors predictive of cervical trauma.
METHODS
Of all the patients who had visited the Emergency Department of Korea University, from January 2009 to December 2009, a retrospective review of the clinical records of the 217 patients who had undergone cervical spine computed tomography was done. We investigated whether we could predict the need for cervical spine computed tomography shortly after presentation in trauma patients by comparing the group with fractures and group without fractures and by finding risk factors showing significant differences between the two groups that might be used as guides in decision making.
RESULTS
Of the 217 subjects who underwent cervical spine computed tomography scans, 33 were identified with fractures of the cervical spine while 184 were not. The most common mechanisms of trauma, in order, for those with fractures were falls, followed by traffic accidents. We found that the injury severity score, multiple injuries, a high-energy injury mechanism, neurologic deficit, and pain and tenderness of the cervical spine showed statistically significant differences between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Fractures of the cervical spine that are not observed with simple radiography occur with a relatively high frequency in trauma patients. Consideration should be given to the risk factors for cervical spine fracture, and if pertinent, cervical spine computed tomography should be performed with speed for early diagnosis of cervical spine fractures.; Summary

Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Soo Eon Lee, Chun Kee Chung, Tae Ahn Jahng, Chi Heon Kim; J Trauma Inj. 2013;26(3):151-156.

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Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
Traumatic cervical SCI is frequently accompanied by dural tear and the resulting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after surgery can be troublesome and delay rehabilitation with increasing morbidity. This study evaluated the incidence of intraoperative CSF leaks in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent anterior cervical surgery and described the reliable management of CSF leaks during the perioperative period.
METHODS
A retrospective study of medical records and radiological images was done on patients with CSF leaks after cervical spine trauma.
RESULTS
Seven patients(13.2%) were identified with CSF leaks during the intraoperative period. All patients were severely injured and showed structural abnormalities on the initial magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the cervical spine. Intraoperatively, no primary repair of dural tear was attempted because of a wide, rough defect size. Therefore, fibrin glue was applied to the operated site in all cases. Although a wound drainage was inserted, it was stopped within the first 24 hours after the operation. No lumbar drainage was performed. Postoperatively, the patients should kept their heads in an elevated position and early ambulation and rehabilitation were encouraged. None of the patients developed complications related to CSF leaks during admission.
CONCLUSION
The incidence of CSF leaks after surgery for cervical spinal trauma is relatively higher than that of cervical spinal stenosis. Therefore, one should expect the possibility of a dural tear and have a simple and effective management protocol for CSF leaks in trauma cases established.; Summary

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