UNSTABLE LUMBAR FRACTURE-DISLOCATION TREATED BY LONG SEGMENT POSTERIOR PEDICLE SCREW INSTRUMENTATION

Abstract

Background: Among all the thoracolumbar fractures, 50-60% affects the thoracolumbar transitional zone, and 51% AO Type C Fractures has a neurological deficit. We experienced treating a case of unstable lumbar fracture-dislocation treated with long segment pedicle screw instrumentation.Case: A 26-year-old man came to the ER after his back hit by a canopy while working 2 hours before admission. The motoric function was diminished from the L2-S1 level and hypoesthesia at the T12 level. Plain X-Ray showed Fracture-Dislocation Lumbar Vertebral 1-2 Denis Classification Flexion Rotation (AO Type C) ASIA A. The patient underwent reduction, decompression, and long-segment posterior pedicle screw instrumentation.Discussion: The surgery’s primary purpose is to restore alignment and stability to improve the patient’s quality of life by enabling daily activity in a wheelchair without significant pain. Short segment or long segment pedicle screw instrumentation remains a debate. In this case report, we apply long segment pedicle screw instrumentation for lumbar vertebral fracture-dislocation.Conclusion: Thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation fixation aim to restore alignment and stability, to reduce kyphotic deformity, and to decompress the spinal canal. The long segment pedicle screw instrumentation can resist the deforming force of thoracolumbar fractures and dislocations that will inevitably collapse into further kyphosis, resulting in a better outcome.