scholarly journals UPPER THORACIC SPINE FRACTURE ASSOCIATED WITH FRACTURE OF THE STERNUM

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-63
Author(s):  
JOAQUÍN VALERO ◽  
NICOLÁS MAXIMILIANO CICCIOLI ◽  
PEDRO LUIS BAZÁN ◽  
ALVARO ENRIQUE BORRI

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of this presentation are to analyze the kinematics that causes this association, describe the impact of the injury, and evaluate the treatment performed Methods: Three cases are analyzed by quantifying the displacement and angulation of the sternum, the characteristics of the spinal injury and deformity, treatment, and complications Results: The mechanism that causes the injury is flexion-distraction, the component of the vertebral body presented is type A, and the most affected region was T5. Two patients had neurological picture E. Sternum injury was caused by direct trauma Conclusion: The association of these was observed in patients who have suffered from high-energy trauma in a car accident. There was no relationship between the angulation of the sternum and its displacement to the degree of kyphosis and displacement of the thoracic spine. It is important to carry out good radiographic studies that include the sternum when there is suspicion of this relationship.

2021 ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Faisal Konbaz

Introduction: Upper thoracic spine fractures (T1-T6) are not uncommon. They are often high-energy injuries complicated by multiple life-threatening comorbidities. There is a controversial discussion in the literature regarding the treatment choices. Thoracic pedicle screw fixation has replaced all other fixation techniques for its success rate and safety. Despite the number of studies discussing upper thoracic spine fractures, data on literature reporting postoperative complications are deficient. The aim of the study was to assess, in a series of patients, the impact of traumatic upper thoracic fractures on sagittal alignment, the incidence of possible complications, and the effect of associated injuries. Methodology: This retrospective chart review study included all adult cases diagnosed as traumatic upper thoracic spine fractures in KAMC in Riyadh. Data were obtained from the computerized database. The information reviewed included fracture characteristics, associated injuries, pre- and postoperative neurological status and sagittal alignment, follow-up duration, and the presence of complications. Result: A total of 19 patients were included in the study. Of them, 17 (89.5%) were injured secondary to a motor vehicle accident. There were three patients with a fixation level crossing the CT junction, more blood loss and procedure time was noticed with these cases. There was a notable improvement in upper thoracic kyphosis by 9º when measuring pre- and postop fracture Cobb's angle. The mean preop angle was 28.98 and the mean postop was 20.76. Of all the 19 cases involved in the study, 3 patients had developed surgical site infection as a complication. No other complication was reviewed. Conclusion: It is well-known in the literature that the correction of kyphosis and the absence of residual deformity postoperatively are indicators of the success and safety of the procedure used. Our findings correspond to the literature discussion that the current practice in managing traumatic upper thoracic spine fracture in KAMC in Riyadh is relatively safe and effective. Yet, further studies are needed to elaborate more on the relationship between the presence of other injuries and patients’ factors and postoperative outcomes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 128-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara B. Anthes ◽  
Nisa Muangman ◽  
Eileen Bulger ◽  
Eric J. Stern

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Timbihurira ◽  
H Nakajima ◽  
S Kobayashi ◽  
R Sato ◽  
T Yayama ◽  
...  

Purpose. To describe a technique involving posterior 360-degree stabilisation of the upper thoracic spine: spinal cord decompression, posterior vertebral body replacement, and then posterior instrumentation and intercostal posterolateral vertebral stabilisation. Methods. Three men and 4 women aged 41 to 77 (mean, 58) years underwent posterior 360-degree stabilisation of the upper thoracic spine. Their indications for surgery were bone metastasis (n=5), burst fracture (n=1), and osteoporotic collapse with cord compression (n=1). Their clinical and radiological findings and treatment outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Pain status of all patients improved after surgery: 4 had severe and 3 had mild pain preoperatively; in 3 pain became minimal and 4 had none postoperatively. All patients except one had Frankel/American Spinal Injury Association scores of E after surgery indicating complete recovery of sensory and motor function. There were no complications related to surgery or instrumentation construct. At the time of review, one patient had died of old age 8.6 years after surgery and another from local recurrence and lung metastasis 5.7 years after surgery. All other patients were living. Conclusion. One-stage posterior 360-degree stabilisation and vertebral body replacement is a useful technique for upper thoracic spine surgery.


2014 ◽  
Vol 05 (04) ◽  
pp. 349-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Rivkin ◽  
Jessica F. Okun ◽  
Steven S. Yocom

ABSTRACT Summary of Background Data: Multilevel posterior cervical instrumented fusions are becoming more prevalent in current practice. Biomechanical characteristics of the cervicothoracic junction may necessitate extending the construct to upper thoracic segments. However, fixation in upper thoracic spine can be technically demanding owing to transitional anatomy while suboptimal placement facilitates vascular and neurologic complications. Thoracic instrumentation methods include free-hand, fluoroscopic guidance, and CT-based image guidance. However, fluoroscopy of upper thoracic spine is challenging secondary to vertebral geometry and patient positioning, while image-guided systems present substantial financial commitment and are not readily available at most centers. Additionally, imaging modalities increase radiation exposure to the patient and surgeon while potentially lengthening surgical time. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 44 consecutive patients undergoing a cervicothoracic fusion by a single surgeon using the novel free-hand T1 pedicle screw technique between June 2009 and November 2012. A starting point medial and cephalad to classic entry as well as new trajectory were utilized. No imaging modalities were employed during screw insertion. Postoperative CT scans were obtained on day 1. Screw accuracy was independently evaluated according to the Heary classification. Results: In total, 87 pedicle screws placed were at T1. Grade 1 placement occurred in 72 (82.8%) screws, Grade 2 in 4 (4.6%) screws and Grade 3 in 9 (10.3%) screws. All Grade 2 and 3 breaches were <2 mm except one Grade 3 screw breaching 2-4 mm laterally. Only two screws (2.3%) were noted to be Grade 4, both breaching medially by less than 2 mm. No new neurological deficits or returns to operating room took place postoperatively. Conclusions: This modification of the traditional starting point and trajectory at T1 is safe and effective. It attenuates additional bone removal or imaging modalities while maintaining a high rate of successful screw placement compared to historical controls.


2002 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 1028-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHIH-HAO CHEN ◽  
TSUNG-JEN HUANG ◽  
YEUNG-JEN CHEN ◽  
HUI-PING LIU ◽  
ROBERT WEN-WEI HSU

Pain Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1379-1386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Ortega-Santiago ◽  
Maite Maestre-Lerga ◽  
César Fernández-de-las-Peñas ◽  
Joshua A Cleland ◽  
Gustavo Plaza-Manzano

Abstract Objectives The presence of trigger points (MTrPs) and pressure pain sensitivity has been well documented in subjects with neck and back pain; however, it has yet to be examined in people with upper thoracic spine pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of MTrPs and mechanical pain sensitivity in individuals with upper thoracic spine pain. Methods Seventeen subjects with upper thoracic spine pain and 17 pain-free controls without spine pain participated. MTrPs were examined bilaterally in the upper trapezius, rhomboid, iliocostalis thoracic, levator scapulae, infraspinatus, and anterior and middle scalene muscles. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed over T2, the C5-C6 zygapophyseal joint, the second metacarpal, and the tibialis anterior. Results The numbers of MTrPs between both groups were significantly different (P < 0.001) between patients and controls. The number of MTrPs for each patient with upper thoracic spine pain was 12.4 ± 2.8 (5.7 ± 4.0 active TrPs, 6.7 ± 3.4 latent TrPs). The distribution of MTrPs was significantly different between groups, and active MTrPs within the rhomboid (75%), anterior scalene (65%), and middle scalene (47%) were the most prevalent in patients with upper thoracic spine pain. A higher number of active MTrPs was associated with greater pain intensity and longer duration of pain history. Conclusions This study identified active MTrPs and widespread pain hypersensitivity in subjects with upper thoracic spine pain compared with asymptomatic people. Identifying proper treatment strategies might be able to reduce pain and improve function in individuals with upper thoracic spine pain. However, future studies are needed to examine this.


2004 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-283
Author(s):  
Kazushi Nakamura ◽  
Kazunori Yone ◽  
Kyoji Hayashi ◽  
Toshihiko Izumi ◽  
Shunji Matsunaga ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document