Late neurologic deterioration after nonoperative treatment of a Chance fracture in an adolescent.

adolescents are uncommon, and few reports on Chance-type fractures in this population exist. Differences between pediatric and adult spinal injuries have been noted, and the need for separate classification and treatment strategies for flexion-distraction injuries in children have been recognized. Still, there is little evidence to guide treatment and minimal data on long-term follow-up. We present the case of an adult in whom neurologic symptoms developed many years after nonoperative treatment of a Chance fracture.