Abstract

RICCIARDI, Guillermo A. et al. Columna vertebral flotante y otras variantes de la asociación de múltiples fracturas vertebrales inestables simultáneas. Rev. Asoc. Argent. Ortop. Traumatol. [online]. 2023, vol.88, n.3, pp.321-330. ISSN 1852-7434.  http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2023.88.3.1652.

Introduction: We intend to present a series of patients with associated multiple and simultaneous unstable spinal fractures (Type B or C). Materials and Methods: A descriptive analysis of patients with high-energy spinal cord injuries and associated multiple unstable and simultaneous spinal fractures from January 2015 to January 2021 was conducted. Patients with type B (ligament injury) and/or type C (subluxation/dislocation) multiple spinal fractures were included. Patients with incomplete medical records, osteoporotic or pathological fractures, or fewer than 3 months of follow-up were excluded. Results: We included 5 patients (1 woman and 4 men) with two simultaneous unstable spinal fractures, including 4 cases (80%) of non-contiguous fractures and 3 (60%) with two simultaneous non-contiguous fracture dislocations (“floating spine”); 2 (40%) cases had a type B fracture associated with a type C fracture. The median age was 35 years. High-energy trauma with associated injuries occurred in all cases. All patients were surgically treated with a conventional posterior approach, reduction, and long arthrodesis. In two patients, neurological recovery was confirmed. Conclusion: A case series of multiple simultaneous unstable spinal fractures (type B or C) caused by high-energy trauma is presented. This is a rare injury association with significant morbidity associated with spinal, systemic, and neurological trauma.

Keywords : Multiple unstable spinal fractures; floating spine; trauma; high energy.

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