Relevant signs of stable and unstable thoracolumbar vertebral column trauma.
One-hundred and seventeen patients with acute thoracolumbar vertebral column fracture or fracture-dislocations were analyzed and classified into stable (36%) and unstable (64%). Eight helpful roentgen signs were observed that may serve to direct attention to serious underlying. Often occult, fractures and dislocations. The changes fall into four principal groups: abnormal soft tissues, abnormal vertebral alignment, abnormal joints, and widened vertebral canal. All stable and unstable lesions showed abnormal soft tissues, while 70% demonstrated kyphosis and/or scoliosis, and an abnormal adjacent intervertebral disk space. All unstable lesions showed one or more of the following signs: displaced vertebra, widened interspinous space, abnormal apophyseal joint(s), and widened vertebral canal.
D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*