Fracture-dislocation of the fifth lumbar vertebra. A new classification.
We have studied fracture-dislocation of the fifth lumbar vertebra in seven patients and reviewed 50 previously reported cases. Based on this information, we have classified the injury into five types: type 1, unilateral lumbosacral facet-dislocation with or without facet fracture; type 2, bilateral lumbosacral facet-dislocation with or without facet fracture; type 3, unilateral lumbosacral facet-dislocation and contralateral lumbosacral facet fracture; type 4, dislocation of the body of L5 with bilateral fracture of the pars interarticularis; and type 5, dislocation of the body of L5 with fracture of the body and/or pedicle, with or without injury of the lamina and/or facet. Conservative treatment of fracture-dislocation of L5 is generally not effective because the lesion is fundamentally unstable. Planning of the operation should be made on the basis of the various types of injury.
Chiba University, Japan.
T
T
Aihara
K
K
Takahashi
M
M
Yamagata
H
H
Moriya
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy