title: Severe thoracic spinal fracture-dislocation without neurological symptoms and costal fractures: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Only a high-energy force can cause thoracic spinal fracture-dislocation injuries, and such injuries should always be suspected in patients with polytrauma. The injury is usually accompanied by neurological symptoms. There are only a few cases of severe thoracic spinal fracture-dislocation without neurological symptoms in the literature, and until now, no case of severe thoracic spinal fracture-dislocation without neurological symptoms and without costal fractures has been reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 30-year-old Han Chinese man had T6 to T7 vertebral fracture and anterolateral dislocation without neurological symptoms and costal fractures. The three-dimensional reconstruction by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated the injuries in detail. A patient with thoracic spinal fracture-dislocation without neurological symptoms inclines to further dislocation of the spine and secondary neurological injury; therefore, laminectomy, reduction and internal fixations with rods and screws were done. The outcome was good. Severe spinal fracture-dislocation without neurological symptoms should be evaluated in detail, especially with three-dimensional reconstruction by computed tomography. Although treatment is individualized, reduction and internal fixation are advised for the patient if the condition is suitable for operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Severe thoracic spinal fracture-dislocation without neurological symptoms and costal fractures is frighteningly rare; an operation should be done if the patient's condition permits.
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Runcheng
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Qingyan
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Anqing Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 352th Renmin Road, Anqing City, Anhui Province 246003, China. 15505600808@163.com.
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D012253:Rib Fractures; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*