Body Fracture-Dislocation of the Thoracic Spine without Neurological Deficit: A Case Report

Lee, Bong Jin; Lee, Sung Rak; Yoo, Tae Yeul; Yim, Jung Il

Abstract

An unstable fracture-dislocation of the spine usually results in a neurological deficit below the level of the injury. For this type of injury to occur at the mid-thoracic level without spinal cord injury is rare. This case report is of a T5-6 fracture-dislocation, without neurological deficit, which occurred in combination with a mid-clavicular fracture and a 5th rib fracture. The patient was treated by halter traction and pelvic traction for 14 days, and cervico-thoraco-lumbosacral orthosis for three months. Plain radiographs and a CT scan taken three months after trauma revealed a good healing process. At the last assessment, made two years post-trauma, the patient was completely asymptomatic with a pain-free full range of back motion, and was able to participate in various sports. In cases where an oblique shear injury of the back is suspected, and in cases of clavicular fracture, rib fracture and/or hemo-pneumothorax, more attention should be given to detecting a possible fracture-dislocation of the mid-thoracic spine without a neurological lesion.