Thoracolumbar flexion-distraction injuries: associated morbidity and neurological outcomes.
METHODS
Retrospective study, prospectively gathered databases.


OBJECTIVE
To assess abdominal comorbidities, missed injuries, and complications associated with thoracolumbar flexion-distraction injuries (FDI).


BACKGROUND
From 1989 to 2003, 153 patients with flexion-distraction type injuries were identified. Predominant injury mechanisms consisted of motor vehicle crashes, falls, and motorcycle crashes.


METHODS
Spinal injuries were categorized by region, injury pattern, American Spinal Injury Association grade, and motor score. Diagnostic methods, delayed diagnoses, and complications were recorded and compared with variables of spinal injury, abdominal injury, and neurologic outcome. Treatment variables included nonoperative care, posterior surgery alone, anterior surgery alone, or combination treatment. Primary outcomes were neurologic status, unintended secondary procedures, complications, and kyphosis angle.


RESULTS
Spinal cord injury (SCI) was found in 37 of 151 patients (25%). SCI was correlated with high-grade posterior element dissociation. Intra-abdominal injury (IAI) was found in 46 of 151 of patients (30%). There was a statistically significant correlation between presence of FDI and IAI in the lumbar (L2-L4) region. There was a 3.9% incidence of delayed diagnosis of FDI and a 0.9% incidence of delayed diagnosis of IAI. Presence of a "lapbelt-sign" had a positive predictive value of 0.69 and a negative predictive value of 0.91 for IAI. Presence of a lumbar injury due to a motor vehicle crash in the presence of a lapbelt sign was positively associated with IAI. There was no increase in complications in the subpopulation of patients with concurrent SCI and FDI.


CONCLUSIONS
Both IAI and SCI remain commonly associated with FDI of the thoracolumbar spinal column. The presence of an abdominal wall contusion (lapbelt sign) is a strong indicator of IAI. Adherence to an established trauma algorithm can minimize the risk of delayed diagnosis. Disruption of an established work-up paradigm, however, can lead to potentially life and spinal cord threatening complications.
Chapman
Jens R
JR
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA.
Agel
Julie
J
Jurkovich
Gregory J
GJ
Bellabarba
Carlo
C
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012622:Seat Belts; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome