Asian Spine J.  2016 Aug;10(4):678-684. 10.4184/asj.2016.10.4.678.

Neglected Thoraco Lumbar Traumatic Spine Injuries

• Khatri K
• Farooque K
• Sharma V
• Gupta B
• Gamanagatti S

• KMID: 2349290
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2016.10.4.678

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To outline the etiology, complications and management difficulties encountered in the management of neglected thoracolumbar spine injuries. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The English literature describes overlooked diagnosis as the most common cause of neglected spine injuries. However, the reasons differ in developing or under-developed nations. Moreover, there is scarcity of literature about the neglected spinal injuries.
METHODS
Patients presenting with thoracolumbar traumatic injuries who had not received any form of treatment for more than three weeks were included in the study. The demographic details, operative procedure performed and complications encountered, along with American Spinal Injury Association grade and spinal cord independence measure score recorded on the history sheets were noted. The data were analyzed.
RESULTS
Forty patients were included in the study. Inadequate treatment at the first contact hospital (45%) followed by late presentation (38%) and missed injury (17%) were the major etiological factors for the neglected traumatic injuries in the thoracolumbar spine. The most common complications seen in the management of these cases were pressure sores (58%), back pain (57%), urinary tract infection (42%) and residual kyphotic deformity (42%).
CONCLUSIONS
Management of neglected thoracolumbar injuries is challenging. The delay in presentation should not prevent spine surgeon in proceeding with operative intervention as good results can be expected.

Keyword

Thoracolumbar spine; Cord injury; Fracture; Spine; Trauma; Spinal cord injuries; Spinal fractures; Neglected diseases

MeSH Terms

Back Pain
Congenital Abnormalities
Developing Countries
Diagnosis
Humans
Neglected Diseases
Pressure Ulcer
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal Fractures
Spinal Injuries
Spine*
Surgical Procedures, Operative
Urinary Tract Infections