Traumatic Fracture of the Thoracic Spine With Severe Posterolateral Dislocation: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Apr 4;14(4):e23830. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23830. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Thoracic spine fracture-dislocation injuries are always associated with high-energy trauma and result in severe neurological symptoms. Surgical reconstruction and stabilization are essential for the early mobilization and rehabilitation of patients with this type of injury. Here, we present a unique case of a 57-year-old Greek male who sustained a posterolateral T3-T4 fracture-dislocation, with a complete spinal cord injury (SCI), after falling from a height. The patient was treated with surgical reduction and internal fixation with screws and rods, with satisfactory subsequent realignment.

Keywords: fracture-dislocation; major trauma; spinal cord injury; spondyloptosis; thoracic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports