title: Flexion-distraction injuries to the lumbar spine associated with abdominal injuries.
abstract: Flexion-distraction injuries to the lumbar spine frequently occur with concomitant abdominal viscus injury. We encountered 16 patients with flexion-distraction lumbar spine injuries. Half of them also suffered abdominal viscus rupture. Lap safety belts were most frequently associated with these injuries; however, the incorrect, underarm use of the shoulder harness was common in our series. The diagnosis of the spinal injury was frequently delayed when abdominal viscus injury occurred together with a flexion-distraction spinal injury. Thorough physical and radiographic examination of the spine as well as a detailed history, including seat belt use, is necessary to diagnose these injuries properly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Spengler
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Devito
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy