title: Multiple Adjacent Isolated Thoracic Spinous Process Fractures in High-Energy Trauma.
abstract: Isolated thoracic spinous process fractures involving multiple adjacent vertebral segments are a rare occurrence in the setting of high-energy trauma. These findings should prompt further investigation to exclude other concomitant osseous or ligamentous injuries. Evaluation by computed tomography is often most useful to detect these fractures. Proper treatment of extensive multilevel injury is poorly defined in the literature. In our experience, conservative management consisting of initial bracing with graduated lifting restrictions has produced excellent functional results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Jacob M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kirsch
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nathani
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Rakesh D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Patel