Efficacy of spinal fusion in treatment of splintered fracture of the C6 vertebral body with spinal cord compression in an adolescent (case history)

Abstract

Fractures and dislocation fractures of C5‑Th1 vertebrae account for about 70 % of all spinal injuries. The article describes a case history of the successful treatment of the fractured C6 vertebra by means of spinal fusion with an autogenous bone. The SCT (spiral computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), performed for diagnostic purposes, showed a splintered fracture of the C6 vertebra with spinal cord compression and mild spinal cord swelling. The clinical picture indicated acute pain in the cervical spine, quadriplegia, and functional disorder of the pelvic organs caused by the severity and level of the injury. The patient underwent two simultaneous surgeries: during the first operation, a fragment of autologous bone from the left iliac wing was taken, and during the second surgery, spinal fusion of C5‑C7 with autologous bone and fixation with a titanium plate were performed. After the interventions, the follow-up SCT of the C-spine showed no signs of spinal cord compression, and the wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebral canal was remedied. No displacement of the vertebral bodies and changes in the height of the vertebrae and vertebral discs is present. After treatment, the patient will undergo long-term rehabilitation measures. The obtained result proves the efficacy of autobone spinal fusion with anterior low-profile titanium plate fixation with four screws. Due to correct and timely medical care provided to the patient, all of the treatment objectives (minimizing secondary injuries of the spinal cord and ensuring optimal conditions for recovery of neurons and axons in the area of disturbed blood supply, spine stabilization) were accomplished.