Thoracic and lumbar compression fractures: Difference between revisions
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
[[File:L4 compressionFracture2008.jpg|thumb|Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.]] | [[File:L4 compressionFracture2008.jpg|thumb|Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.]] | ||
[[File:Compressionfracture.jpg|thumb|X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.]] | [[File:Compressionfracture.jpg|thumb|X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.]] | ||
[[File:T12compressionfracMark.png|thumb|Compression fracture of T12.]] | |||
===Workup=== | ===Workup=== | ||
Revision as of 13:03, 24 October 2020
Background
- Also known as a "wedge fracture"
- Only unstable if posterior ligament complex ruptures (requires a rotational force)
- Unlikely to cause cord damage
Vertebral fractures and dislocations types
- Cervical fractures and dislocations
- Thoracic and lumbar fractures and dislocations
Clinical Features
- Mechanism: axial loading and flexion
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Workup
Diagnosis
- Suspect instability and obtain CT if:
- Severe compression (>50% loss of vertebral height)
- Kyphosis >30deg
- Rotational component to injury
- Compression fracture at multiple sites
- Posterior cortex abnormality