PURPOSE To compare stability after anterior instrumentation alone versus modified combined anterior and posterior instrumentation for burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine in calves. METHODS Thoracolumbar spines of 10 calves were used. An axial compression force was applied on each specimen using a material-testing machine, until there was a burst fracture at T12 or L1. Five specimens we...

BACKGROUND The thoracolumbar junction is the most common area of injury to the axial skeleton. Forces along the long stiff kyphotic thoracic spine switch abruptly into the mobile lordotic lumbar spine at the thoracolumbar junction. Goals of treatment are to obtain a painless, balanced, stable spine with optimum neurological function and maximum spine mobility. The present prospective study has ...

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Osteoporosis and osteomalacia are significant risk factors for fracture and spine instrumentation failure. Low-energy fractures are becoming increasingly more common because of an increase in life expectancy and age of the population. Decreased bone density is an independent risk factor for instrumentation failure in spinal fusion operations. PURPOSE To assess the awareness...

We present two cases of unanticipated difficult airway in patients requiring reoperation after cervical spine instrumentation. In both cases, the upper airway examination was normal, and fiberoptic-guided intubation proceeded with the patient sedated and breathing spontaneously. Cord visualization was difficult, but the scope was eventually advanced into the trachea and the endotracheal tube pl...

INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of cervical spine injuries remains a significant problem in many blunt trauma patients. Correct and early diagnosis of these injuries is imperative as delayed or missed diagnoses result in increased morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION A 57-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a misdiagnosed bilateral C5-C6 dislocation one month after a fall and head injury...

Burst fractures most frequently affect the thoracolumbar spine due to the fulcrum of increased motion occurring at the T12-L1 junction. However, isolated burst fractures of the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebra can occur but are very rare. We present a woman with a fracture-dislocation of the fifth lumbar vertebra complicated by neurological damage. She was treated by posterior surgery with transpedic...

objectives major differences exist in the anatomy and biomechanics of the growing spine that causes failure patterns different from those in adults. spinal injury in the pediatric patient is a main concern because timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent further neurologic damage and deformity and potentiate recovery. we conducted a retrospective clinical study of 137 cases (93 bo...