title: Entrapment and obstruction of the esophagus from thoracic spine hyperextension-dislocation injury.
abstract: We have reported a unique case of esophageal entrapment and obstruction from a thoracic spine hyperextension-dislocation injury after a motor vehicle crash. Because the risk for esophageal injury is not typically associated with thoracic spine injury, a heightened sensitivity for developing symptoms and signs is at least necessary. As with any injury to the gastrointestinal tract, optimal therapy requires resuscitation and prompt operative intervention.
authors.affiliation: Division of Traumatology, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore 21201-1595, USA.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Greif
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Joseph-Herbert
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Gammaitoni
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*