Evaluation of vertebral fractures and associated injuries in adults
Abstract
Methods : The study included 372 patients (264 men, 108 women; mean age 30.4 years; range 18 to 65 years) who were treated for vertebra fractures from 1988 to 2003. Evaluations included demographic features of patients, trauma mechanisms, fracture levels and types, treatment modalities, and associated injuries. The types of fractures were assessed according to the Denis classification.
Results : The types of fractures were classified as follows: compression fractures (n=212, 57.0%), burst fractures (n=146, 39.3%), seat belt-induced fractures (n=8, 2.2%), and fracture-dislocations (n=6, 1.6%). Involvement was at one level in 290 patients (77.9%), two levels in 61 patients (16.4%), three levels in 15 patients(4.0%), and four levelsin six patients (1.6%). The most common localization was the thoracolumbar spine (transition zone) with 275 fractures (57.2%). The causes of fractures were fall from height in 211 patients (56.7%), traffic accidents in 145 patients (39.0%), and direct trauma in 16 patients (4.3%). Associated fractures were detected in 110 patients (29.6%), the most common being calcaneus fractures in 35 patients (9.4%). Apart from orthopedic problems, 38 patients (10.2%) had other org a n injuries and/or head trauma. Treatment was conservative in 302 patients (81.2%) and surgical in 70 patients (18.8%).
Conclusion: Every patient presenting after a high-energy trauma should be regarded as having a vertebra fracture until proven otherwise. When a vertebra fracture is detected, investigation should be extended for involvement at other levels and associated injuries.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Erden Erturer
This is me
Mehmet Tezer
This is me
Irfan Ozturk
This is me
Unal Kuzgun
This is me
Publication Date
September 11, 2006
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2005 Volume: 39 Number: 5