Fracture-dislocation at the thoracolumbar junction in an infant with locked vertebrae. A case report.
METHODS
A retrospective, single-patient case report.


OBJECTIVE
To report on a 9-month-old infant with fracture-dislocation at the thoracolumbar junction with locking of vertebral bodies, probably with incomplete neurologic injury and partial postoperative recovery.


BACKGROUND
Fracture-dislocation at the thoracolumbar junction is rare in infants, the upper cervical spine being the level usually affected. Incomplete neurologic injury is uncommon after such a severe shear injury.


METHODS
The patient was followed through personal examination and chart review from initial presentation to 6 months after the injury.


RESULTS
Open reduction with posterior spinal fusion was followed by partial neurologic recovery and a stable spine over 6-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Fracture-dislocation at the thoracolumbar junction is rare in infancy. This is probably due to unique anatomic and biomechanical features of the spine in infancy.
Phaltankar
P M
PM
Department of Orthopaedics, Seth G. S. Medical College, Bombay, India.
Patel
B R
BR
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery