Comminuted fracture of the thoracic spine.
BACKGROUND
Road deaths fell initially after the introduction of the penalty points but despite this, the rate of spinal injuries remained unchanged.


OBJECTIVE
We report a patient with a dramatic spinal injury, though without neurological deficit. We discuss the classification, management and economic impact of these injuries.


METHODS
We describe the management of a patient with a comminuted thoracic spinal fracture without neurological injury. We conducted a literature review with regard to the availability of literature of the management of these injuries.


RESULTS
This 17-year-old female was managed surgically and had a good functional outcome. There is no clear consensus in the published literature on the management of these injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Comminuted thoracic spinal factures are potentially devastating. Such a patient presents challenges in determining the appropriate treatment.
Cashman
J P
JP
Dept of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork. james.cashman@gmail.com
Carty
F L
FL
Ryan
M
M
Mahalingham
K
K
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed