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Case Reports
. 2013;53(12):887-9.
doi: 10.2176/nmc.cr2012-0248. Epub 2013 Oct 7.

Unusual traumatic midthoracic spondyloptosis and its surgical management: case report

Affiliations
Case Reports

Unusual traumatic midthoracic spondyloptosis and its surgical management: case report

Askin Esen Hasturk et al. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2013.

Abstract

Posttraumatic spondyloptosis develops as a result of complete subluxation of the vertebral bodies and causes complete transection of the spinal cord. Severe trauma-related spondyloptosis of the upper-mid thoracic region is a rare form of spinal trauma. Traumatic midthoracic spondyloptosis is quite rare, and radiology plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Surgical reconstruction and stabilization are required for early mobilization and rehabilitation of patients with this injury. Here, we report the clinical features, radiographic findings, and management of an unusual case of traumatic midthoracic spondyloptosis that showed complete spinal cord transection and was operated.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest Disclosure

We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hemothorax is seen on thoracic computed tomography (CT).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A: On sagittal computed tomography (CT), complete anterior dislocation at the T5-6 level and complete disruption in the spinal cord are seen. B: On axial CT, T5-6 spondyloptosis is seen.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A: Postoperative axial and B: sagittal computed tomography (CT) shows proper alignment of the spinal column after pedicle screw fixation. C: Spinal axis is seen to be aligned on post-opradiograph.

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