title: Thoracic spine fractures.
abstract: Fractures of the thoracic spine (T2-T12) should be considered as a separate entity because of the anatomic features of the rib cage and spinal canal in this region. Fifty-seven patients sustained this injury over a 10-year period (16% of thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar fractures). Twenty-eight fracture dislocations, 25 compression fractures, and 1 burst fracture were seen. Three injuries, combining elements of a burst fracture and a dislocation, were designated "burst-dislocations." Apart from compression fractures, a direct blow was often the implicated mechanism of injury. Significant associated injuries were uncommon. Fracture-dislocations were often associated with neurologic injury and compression fractures with long-term pain. Operative treatment appeared to afford the best results for stabilization and pain relief.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
authors.forename: E N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Hanley
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Eskay
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*