Non-traumatic compression fractures of the thoracic spine following a seizure -- treatment by percutaneous kyphoplasty.
A 26-year-old male presented with acute mid-thoracic back pain following a witnessed grand mal seizure. There was no trauma and the patient was on steroids for systemic lupus erythematosus. X-rays and CT scans of the thoracic spine revealed compression fractures at T5 and T6, with 50 % loss of vertebral height and kyphosis. He underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty of both vertebrae, with symptomatic improvement. Non-traumatic compression fractures of the thoracic spine following seizures are a rare injury. This may be related to the compressive forces exerted on the vertebral column by the contractions of the truncal muscles, during a seizure. These compression fractures are suitable for treatment by minimally invasive techniques, such as kyphoplasty.
Gnanalingham
K
K
Department of Neurosurgery, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London, U.K. kannagnana@doctors.org.uk
Macanovic
M
M
Joshi
S
S
Afshar
F
F
Yeh
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001843:Bone Cements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001843:Bone Cements; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate