Management of fracture and lateral dislocation of the thoracic spine without any neurological deficits: three case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Fracture and dislocation of the thoracic spine without neurological deficits are rare. Most of these cases are managed by non-operative methods or a posterior approach surgery. To report three cases of fracture and lateral dislocation of the thoracic spine without neurological deficits and review the literature on the management strategy. Three patients who suffered thoracic spinal fracture and lateral dislocation without spinal cord injury underwent anterior decompression, reduction and internal fixation. The case series describe their management, surgical intervention and their follow-up. Reduction was satisfactory, none of the patients had any postoperative neurological deficits. Fusion was successful, and vertebral column alignment was maintained at the last follow-up. An anterior approach facilitated adequate decompression, reduction and stabilization through instrumentation in this series of injury without neurological deficits.