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Lumbar Spine Trauma

Lumbar Spine Trauma. Presented by M.A. Kaeser, DC Spring 2009. Compression Fractures. M/C fracture of the lumbar spine Result from combined flexion and axial compression M/C level is T12-L1

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Lumbar Spine Trauma

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  1. Lumbar Spine Trauma Presented by M.A. Kaeser, DC Spring 2009

  2. Compression Fractures • M/C fracture of the lumbar spine • Result from combined flexion and axial compression • M/C level is T12-L1 • Degree of compression and comminution depends on severity fo the force appliied and the strength of the vertebra • Children – torus type fracture • Incidence increases with age

  3. http://www.nature.com/sc/ journal/v42/n2/images/ 3101546f1.jpg http://www.eorthopod.com/images/ContentImages/spine/spine_ thoracic/compression_fx/thoracic_compression_fx_intro01.jpg

  4. Osteoporosis and Compression Fractures • Precipitates spontaneous compression fractures during everyday activities • Classified as insufficiency fractures (“grandma fracture”) • Most commonly occur in women • Up to 35% in female pts. Over the age of 45 years may be the result of early menopause and 30% to secondary osteopenia (corticosteroids 15%, hyperthyroidism 8%, malignancy >2%)

  5. http://api.ning.com/files/O9cKH- JobD4EbaBjcqs2c2RwKwqc51mga V3nJ6kwGv5AnOKjq7OXspLL *FBSjq-RJdddXF432gr1MxZRI6Rn V8-sgh*y3Fy5/compression_fracture.jpg

  6. Symptoms/Treatment • Acute symptoms of only 10-14 days duration, if no dislocation • Treatment is based on the nature of the collapse and whether or not there is associated neurological symptomology

  7. Stability • Post-fracture stability is determined based on the classification by Denis • Anterior column – from ALL to the mid vertebral body • Middle column – from the mid vertebral body to the PLL • Posterior column – from the PLL to the supraspinous ligament If two or more compartments are disrupted the fracture complex is unstable – neurological injury is high and interventional surgery is likely

  8. Radiographic Signs of Vertebral Compression Fracture • Lateral radiographs best demonstrate fracture features • Include: • Step defect • Wedge deformity • Linear zone of condensation • Displaced endplate • Paraspinal hematoma • Abdominal ileus

  9. The Step Defect • Anterior aspect of the vertebral body is under the greatest stress, the first bony injury to occur is a buckling of the anterior cortex, usually near the superior vertebral endplate • Seen as a sharp step off of the anterosuperior vertebral margin along the smooth concave edge of the vertebral body • As the superior endplate is compressed in flexion, a sliding forward of the vertebral endplate occurs

  10. http://www.chiroweb.com/ content/images/ bassano02_1_2334.jpg

  11. Wedge Deformity • Anterior depression of the vertebral body occurs, creating a triangular wedge shape • The posterior vertebral height remains uncompromised, differentiating a traumatic fracture from a pathologic fracture • May create angular kyphosis in the adjacent area • Superior endplate is far more often involved than the inferior endplate • Up to 30% or greater loss in anterior height may be required before the deformity is readily apparent on convention x-rays • Normal variant anterior wedging of 10-15% or 1-3 mm is common thought the T/S and most marked at T11-L2.

  12. http://www.cascadewellness clinic.com/GRAPHICS/ 2ARTGFX/00ARTGFX/ COMPFRAC.GIF

  13. Linear White Band of Condensation (Zone of Impaction) • Band of raadiopacity may be seen just below the vertebral endplate that has been fractured • The band represents the early site of bone impaction following a forceful flexion injury where the bones are driven together • Callus formation adds to the density of the radiopaque band later, in the healing stage of the fracture injury • Band is not always apparent • If present, denotes a fracture of recent origin (<2 months’ duration)

  14. http://www.theamerican chiropractor.com/ images/figure-1.jpg

  15. Disruption in the Vertebral Endplate • A sharp disruption in the fractured vertebral endplate may be seen • May be difficult to perceive on plain films and tomography • CT provides the definitive means of identification • The edges of the disruption are often jagged and irregular • Superior is more commonly fractured

  16. http://download. imaging.consult.com /ic/images/S19330 33206711077/gr1- midi.jpg

  17. Paraspinal Edema • With extensive trauma, U/L or B/L paraspinal masses may occur – these represent hemorrhage • Best seen in the thracic spine on the AP projection • In L/S edema creates asymmetrical densities or bulges in the psoas margins

  18. http://download.imaging.consult.com/ic/images/ S1933033207730938/gr3-midi.jpg

  19. Abdominal Ileus • An excessive amount of small or large bowel has in a slightly distended lumen • Occurs as a result of disturbance to the visceral autonomic nerves or ganglia from pain, paraspinal soft tissue injury, edema or hematoma • This sign warns that the trauma was severe and fracture is likely

  20. http://www.ganfyd.org/images/thumb/6/69/Axr_ileus.jpg/ 180px-Axr_ileus.jpg

  21. Old vs New Compression Fracture • Signs of a fracture <2 months old = soft tissue hemorrhage, step defect and white band of condensation • Healing of compression fracture can take up to 3 months in the adult spine • Presence of contiguous disc degeneration is common in old compression fractures owing to altered discovertebral mechanics • MRI reveals bone marrow edema with recent fracture • Bone scan shows increased uptake with recent fractures undergoing repair (they may remain active for up to 18-24 months after injury, which diminishes its usefulness)

  22. Burst Fractures • Specific form of a compression fracture • Posterosuperior fragment is displaced into the spinal canal • Neurological injury may result in up to 50% of cases (best demonstrated by MRI or CT) • Most burst fractures are stable and can be treated adequately with conservative measures • AP film – a vertical fracture line is often seen, • Widening of the interpediculate distance signifies a fracture within the neural arch • Acquired coronal cleft vertebra – coronally oriented fracture the separates the vertebral body into anterior and posterior halves • Central depression of the superior and inferior endplates occurs with comminution of the vertebral body

  23. http://www. spineuniverse. com/displaygraphic. php/2240/Fig-1c-BB.jpg http://www.spineuniverse.com/displaygraphic.php/2240/Fig-1c-BB.jpg http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content-nw/full/187/4/859/FIG12

  24. Posterior Apophyseal Ring Fractures • Separation of the posterior vertebral body ring apophysis (posterior limbus bone) is a relatively uncommon abnormality • More common in adolescents and young adults • Clinical features include stiffness and spasm, numbness, weakness, neurogenic claudication and occasionally cauda equina syndrome • Most common levels are L4/5 and L5/S1 • 50% are caused by trauma (ie. weightlifting, MVAs, gymnastics) • Surgery may be warranted • Between 15% and 20% are visible on lateral radiographs • CT is definitive method of diagnosis

  25. http://www.scielo.br/ img/revistas/aob/ v10n1/a04fig05.gif

  26. Kummel’s Disease • Delayed post-traumatic vertebral collapse • Occurs months after an episode of spinal trauma • Caused by complicating avascular necrosis resulting in progressive compression deformity • Intravertebral vacuum phenomenon may be evident on radiographs

  27. http://download.imaging. consult.com/ic/images/ S1933033206702300/gr10- midi.jpg

  28. Fractures of the Neural Arch • TP fractures – 2nd M/C fracture of the L/S • Occur from avulsion of the paraspinal muscles, usually secondary to a severe hyperextension and lateral flexion blow to the L/S • Large forces are usually involved • M/C segments are L2/3 • Frequently missed on initial examination • Usually occurring close to its point of origin from the vertebra • Frequently displaced inferiorly • If the fracture is horizontal, check for transverse or Chance fracture • Fractures often occur at multiple levels • Fractures of the L5 TP are frequently found in association with pelvic fractures • Loss of the psoas shadow may occur secondary to hemorrhage • Always check for abdominal organ injuries • Associated renal damage may be associated with hematuria • CT exam is recommended to check for fracture and integrity of the abdominal contents

  29. http://www.medscape.com/ content/2004/00/48/35/ 483518/art-ar483518.fig8b.jpg http://www.hawaii.edu/ medicine/pediatrics/pemxray/v5c03b.jpg

  30. Pars Interarticularis Fractures • True fractures, not stress fractures, are uncommon • MOI – violent hyperextension of the L/S – usually at the L4 or L5 level • Not to be confused with spondylolysis of the pars, which is usually the result of a stress fracture • Acute fractures are U/L, spondylolysis is B/L • Acute fractures heal without residual defects or anterior displacement

  31. http://www.wheelessonline. com/image9/spdy1.jpg http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/gallery/back/ sponylolysis_large.jpg

  32. Chance or Lap Seat Belt Fracture • Horizontal splitting of the spine and neural arch • Use of lap-type seat belts in the ’50s and ’60s coincided with an increasing occurrence of Chance fractures • Severe abrasions can be seen on the lower anterior abdominal wall, outlining the position of the seat belt • Internal visceral damage may occur – rupture of the spleen or pancreas and tears of the small bowel and mesentery • Neurological deficits in 15% of cases • M/C location is upper L/S (L1-L3)

  33. http://www.ajronline.org/cgi/content- nw/full/183/4/959/FIG6 http://www.e-radiography.net/radpath/f/chance%20fracture/ Chance-sagital_recon.jpg

  34. Fracture-Dislocation • M/C in the T/L area afer a vilent flexion injury • Avulsion fractures (teardrop) are commonly found associated with dislocation of the L/S • Most dislocations are anterior in position, without lateral displacement • Shearing injuries with disc and ligament rupture and fractures of the posterior arch are common • Naked facet sign – absence of apposed articular facets – diagnostic for facet dislocation

  35. http://www.ispub.com/ispub/ijns/volume_ 5_number_2_36/effect_of_pathology_ and_gestational_age_on_the_ management_of_neurosurgical_ emergencies_in_pregnant_women/pregnant-fig9a.jpg

  36. References Yokum TR, Rowe LJ. Essentials of Skeletal Radiology. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1996: 373–545.

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