[Dens fracture and multiple fracture of the thoracic spine after fall from great height. Diagnostic standard].
Multiple level spine fractures after a fall from a great height frequently cause a neurological deficit with paraplegia. In general, survival after a free fall from 20 m height without any neurological deficit is very unlikely. Since a considerable part of the trauma may not be detected by conventional radiograms, it is recommended that CT scans of all affected spine regions always be carried out with 2 D reconstructions. In addition, 3 D reconstructions should be performed if rotatory instability is suspected. This case report illustrates the management and diagnostic problems of a serial spine trauma.
Weisskopf
M
M
Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität Berlin.
Hoffmann
R
R
Südkamp
N P
NP
Haas
N P
NP
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000150:complications; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed