Chance Fracture Research Articles

Fractures of the Thoracolumbar Spine Sustained by Soldiers in Vehicles Attacked by Improvised Explosive Devices

Retrospective analysis. To analyze the types of orthopedic spine fractures sustained by North Atlantic Treaty Organization soldiers when vehicles are attacked by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with specific focus on the flexion-distraction type thoracolumbar fracture (Chance fracture). Operation Enduring Freedom is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's effort in Afghanistan. IED attacks on armored vehicles are common and account for high proportion of soldiers' deaths and injuries. Retrospective record review was accomplished on soldiers admitted to a military hospital with orthopedic spine fractures after IED attacks on vehicles from January 1, 2008 to May 15, 2008. Thoracolumbar fractures were classified using the McAfee classification system. Twelve male patients with 16 thoracolumbar fractures were identified (3 patients with multiple fractures). The 16 thoracolumbar fractures included 6 flexion-distraction fractures in 5 patients (38%, 6/16: two T12, two L1, one L3, and one L4), 7 compression fractures in 5 patients (44%, 5/16; one T7, one T8, two L1, one L2, one L3, and one L4), and 3 burst fractures (19%, 3/16; two L1 and one L2). The incidence of flexion-distraction thoracolumbar (Chance) fractures has been reported to be between 1.0% and 2.5% in most spine fracture series. In this small study, Chance fractures represented 38% of all tho-racolumbar fractures sustained after IED attack on armored vehicles. The blast pattern associated with IED explosion may be responsible for the high rate of these injuries in vehicle occupants.

Sitzgurt- (Seat-belt) und Chance-Frakturen der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäule

The authors have attempted to elucidate the differences between Chance, seat-belt, and flexion distraction fractures. Chance and seat-belt fractures have more common features, while flexion distraction fractures differ, in particular, due to the mechanism of injury. A difficult diagnosis is sometimes a common characteristic, while therapy is always the same. During the period from 1997 to 2005, the authors treated 23 seat-belt fractures, and only three "genuine" Chance fractures. All patients had normal neurological findings. The mechanisms of injury were a car crash in 20 cases, and a fall associated with flexion in 6 cases, such as a rolling fall while skiing. According to the localisation, Chance fractures were found at the L 1 level twice and at the L 2 level once. Seat-belt injury was found once each in the areas of T 7, L 4, L 5, -twice at L 2 and L 3, and 16 times at the T / L spine transition, respectively. All patients were operated on using instrumented posterolateral spondylodesis. All fractures healed by spondylodesis as confirmed by X-ray images. All patients returned to their original job or school. 14 patients were evaluated 6 months after removal of the metallic implants. The mean subsequent kyphotisation was 1.4 degrees with the largest deviation of 4 degrees in a patient with a pure ligamentous variant of a seat-belt fracture. The objective of this work is to illustrate the various types of spinal distraction injuries of a seat-belt character and Chance fracture, when the vertebral body is not compressed. X-rays and often also CT scans show a "benign" character. Interpretation of the findings is very important for the development of further chronic instability of the spine and all consequences. If the diagnosis of a distraction injury is made the operative stabilisation is essential. That is why all our patients were tretaed by operation.

Thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficit: the role for conservative treatment

Burst fractures are common in the thoracolumbar junction and account for 17% of all major spinal fractures. There is a considerable controversy on the efficacy of conservative treatment and the need for surgical intervention. Need for additional stability, prevention of neurological deterioration, attainment of canal clearance, prevention of kyphosis and early relief of pain are the commonly quoted reasons for surgical intervention. However, a careful review of literature does not validate any of the above arguments. The available randomised control trials prove that the results of conservative treatment for burst fractures are equal to that of surgery and also with lesser complications. Surgery for burst fractures may, however, have definite advantages in patients with polytrauma or in the rare event of deteriorating neurology. It is also important for the treating surgeon to clearly distinguish a burst fracture from other inherently unstable injuries like fracture dislocations, chance fractures and flexion rotation injuries which require surgical stabilisation.

Management of a Pregnant Patient with a Burst Fracture Causing Neurologic Injury

A thoracolumbar fracture in a pregnant patient is uncommon and is generally associated with relative osteoporosis of pregnancy1,2. We know of only one report that has addressed traumatic thoracolumbar fractures in pregnant women3. That study described two patients who had a flexion-distraction fracture treated in a delayed fashion, and neither of them had a neurologic deficit. We describe the treatment of a thirty-nine-year-old woman with a burst fracture of the twelfth thoracic vertebra with an incomplete spinal cord injury and a viable pregnancy. We believe this to be the first report of the surgical treatment of a traumatic fracture associated with a spinal cord injury in a pregnant woman. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and she consented. A thirty-nine-year-old woman who was seventeen weeks pregnant fell from a standing height on the day prior to presentation after she had been consuming alcohol and marijuana. She presented to the emergency department the following day because of wrist and back pain. The medical and surgical history was notable for paranoid schizophrenia and a previous cesarean delivery. She denied taking any prescription medications or having any allergies. At the time of the initial presentation, the patient had a distal radial fracture and back pain. The back pain was not further evaluated, given the low level of trauma and the pregnant status of the patient. The distal radial fracture was reduced, and a cast was applied. She was discharged with instructions to return for follow-up of the wrist. The patient returned to the emergency department the next day with worsening back pain and new complaints of lower extremity weakness as well as urinary and fecal incontinence. At that time, a magnetic …

Effectiveness of posterior tension band fixation in the thoracolumbar seat-belt type injuries of the young population

We report results in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar flexion-distraction fractures, both associated or not with neurological impairment. Items in the present study include function, pain (back pain rating scale) and neurological recovery (Asia Score). A prospective series of 19 consecutive flexion-extension thoracolumbar injuries (T11-L2), occurred in young patients (20-33 years) due to motor vehicle crashes wearing the 3-point safety belts, includes 2 Chance and 17 seat-belt fractures, with different amount of vertebral dislocation and neurological impairment. Fractures have been evaluated according to the Magerl's classification. All patients were operated via posterior approach using hybrid instrumentation or short pedicular fixation to reduce dislocation and to obtain spinal fusion. Posterior decompression was performed in all patients with neurological deficit. Posterior instrumented arthodesis was performed by wide constructs that preferably include 2 levels above and below the dislocated vertebra. Most of them were instrumented using thoracic hooks and lumbar pedicular screws. One postoperative vascular complication was successfully treated by selective embolization. All neurological patients were submitted to a postoperative rehabilitation program. Posterior procedure allows proper reduction and realignment. In our experience, the use of laminar hooks one level above the dislocation seems to reduce the potential risk of neurological and /or vascular damage during the intraoperative maneuvers on the dislocated pedicles. At follow-up, fusion was achieved in all patients. The clinical condition was totally satisfactory due to the absence of significant pain, confirming mechanical stability of the implants. In terms of neurological outcomes, patients presenting as ASIA A-B or ASIA E, maintained their preoperative neurological condition. Surgical treatment, together with an early postoperative rehabilitation program, can be of paramount importance in neurological patients' quality of life.

Open reduction and internal fixation of a lumbar Chance fracture in a child using Songer cable and lamina plates

Chance-type fractures of the spine have been associated with seat-belt injuries in the pediatric population. Nonoperative management is appropriate in most cases of Chance fractures, but surgical intervention is occasionally warranted to deter progression of kyphosis and neurological deterioration. Internal fixation using pedicle screws has been widely used in the surgical repair of this injury. The authors report on a 6-year-old girl who suffered an L-2 Chance fracture with facet disruption, kyphosis, and significant posterior ligamentous injury. She underwent open reduction and internal fixation using Songer cable wiring augmented with bilateral lamina plating. At the 18-week follow-up, she continued to be free of any neurological deficits and her alignment was stable on plain radiographs of flexion-extension. The authors have therefore described a feasible option in the surgical management of Chance-type fractures in the pediatric spine.

Chance Fracture of the Upper Thoracic Spine in a Child.

We report on a three-year-old girl who fell accidentally from the fourth floor. She suffered multiple trauma, including severe head injury, unstable T2-T3 Chance fracture, pneumothorax with lung contusion and serial rib fractures on the left side, liver laceration, splenic injury and fracture of the sacral bone on the right side. The progressive intracranial pressure was released by trepanation and bifrontal craniectomy. The abdominal injuries were treated conservatively. After stabilization of the intracranial situation, dorsal spondylodesis from T2 to T4 was performed employing the cannulated NEON system (Ulrich(®)) with CT-controlled positioning of guide wires. One year on, the implants have been removed and the patient has good function, with only a small atactic dysfunction as residuum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pediatric Chance fracture located in the upper thoracic spine following a fall from great height that describes how this treatment approach led to a very favorable outcome.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral Chance fractures caused by a fall

To explore the diagnosis of Chance fractures of thoracolumbar spine and the clinical efficacy of segmental pedicle screw instrumentation in the treatment. The clinical data of 16 patients with Chance fractures from January 2000 to January 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. Radiology and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the efficacy. One case associated with open dislocation of ankle and craniocerebral injury, 3 cases with calcaneus fracture and 1 with kidney contusion. All cases were followed up from 7 months to 6 years, with a mean of 2.6 years. There were no operation complications. The anterior vertebral body height of fracture vertebra was restored from preoperative (63.3 +/- 6.8)% to postoperative (92.1 +/- 4.0)%, at the follow-up (90.7 +/- 3.6)%. There was a significant improvement between preoperative and postoperative values (P < 0.01) and no difference between initial postoperative and final follow-up (P > 0.05). The mean ODI was 4.9. The injuries associated with Chance fracture caused by a fall and its mechanism are different from those with the safety belt injury. The segmental pedicle screw instrumentation can rebuild spinal stabilization and restore spinal alignment in treatment of Chance fractures.

Aortic injury with chance fracture in a child

To present the findings in a 10-year-old male with a Chance fracture and associated aortic vascular injury and review of the literature on the subject. We reviewed the clinical and imaging findings in a patient who was in a serious motor vehicle accident, sustaining a Chance fracture of the lumbar spine and associated aortic and common iliac vessel injury. We also accomplished a literature review. Evidence of an associated aortic injury was available on the initial computed tomography (CT) study, but the findings were more exquisitely demonstrated on reconstructed studies of the lumbar spine. Our literature review indicated that aortic injury associated with Chance fracture is relatively rare and often overlooked. Abdominal aortic injury although rare, can occur with Chance fractures. With the now present sophisticated CT imaging in most Emergency Rooms it is possible to obtain exquisite reconstructed images of all organ systems including the vascular tree. The images may provide enough details so that further delineation of any given problem may not be necessary.

Pediatric lumbar Chance fractures in British Columbia: Chart review and analysis of the use of shoulder restraints in MVAs

Chance fractures of the skeletally immature spine classically occur in frontal motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) when the occupants are restrained by a lap belt only and undergo traumatic hyperflexion of the torso during the impact. We retrospectively examined all MVA-related Chance fractures at British Columbia's Children's Hospital since 1986, by collecting injury and seat-belt use information from chart data and imaging studies. Twenty-six patients were included in the study, 14 wore a lap belt only, seven wore a three-point restraint properly, and five were reportedly misusing the shoulder portion of a three-point restraint. The subjects ranged in age from 3 to 16 with a mean age of 10.6 years. Eleven of the 26 (42%) patients sustained abdominal viscera injuries, seven of the 26 patients suffered neurologic injury (spinal cord and/or spinal nerve injury) associated with their spinal fracture, with two cases of complete paralysis, and there was a 38% incidence of head injury. Concomitant injuries (i.e. to the head, abdomen and abdominal contents) tended to be mitigated by the presence of a properly worn shoulder restraint. This leads to the conclusion that Chance fractures can be sustained even when the occupant is using a shoulder belt to restrain their torso. The mechanism responsible for this is unknown. This may indicate that Chance fractures can be caused by a lesser degree of torso hyperflexion than previously thought. Alternatively, we also speculate that Chance fractures can occur while the torso is restrained by the shoulder belt if the hips submarine beneath the lap belt and the torso experiences hyperflexion secondary to forward excursion of the pelvis and legs during the collision. Future work is necessary to confirm these mechanisms and to find ways to prevent them. These studies will need to use computational or experimental child surrogates that can sit in a slouched posture and submarine during a collision.

Pseudo-Aneurysm of a Lumbar Artery After Flexion-Distraction Injury of the Thoraco-Lumbar Spine and Surgical Realignment

A unique case of pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery after injury of the thoracolumbar spine was presented. To describe the exceptional occurrence of pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery after flexion-distraction fracture of thoracolumbar junction and to discuss the mechanism of formation and the therapeutic solution. Injury of a lumbar artery represents a potential cause of massive, life-threatening, retroperitoneal bleeding. It may be associated with lesions of the abdomen, lower limbs, pelvic bones, and spinal column. Fracture of a transverse process may be responsible for direct laceration of a lumbar artery, but formation of a pseudo-aneurysm is an uncommon event. The diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. The treatment of choice is endovascular embolization. In a patient who had a posttraumatic severe thoracolumbar vertebral dislocation with complete spinal cord lesion after road accident, we performed surgical reduction and stabilization via posterior approach. After 7 days, he developed a progressive anemia due to retroperitoneal hemorrhage and formation of a pseudo-aneurysm of the lumbar artery at L1 level. Endovascular embolization achieved resolution of the pseudo-aneurysm, regression of the hematoma and progressive recovery of the patient during a period of 6 months. Pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery has never previously been described in association with flexion-distraction type vertebral fracture, in which the spinal column is subjected to greater, shear-type, forces. Stretching of the arterial wall due to the traumatic dislocation of the spine and subsequent surgical realignment may be considered as the mechanism of formation and rupture of the pseudo-aneurysm. Dangerous bleeding in the retroperitoneal space and in the operative field can be effectively managed by endovascular intervention.

Outcome Analysis of Chance Fractures of the Skeletally Immature Spine

Observational. The authors present a detailed description of 25 skeletally immature patients with Chance fractures with a mean follow-up of 6.4 years. Since the legislation mandating seat belt usage in Canada was first introduced, the fatality rate of automobile collisions has decreased significantly. However, seat belts do not result in the complete elimination of injury. Fractures of the lumbar spine due to seat belts are well recognized in adolescents and adults but there are few reports in young children. Radiographic images and patient records were analyzed for information on patient demographics and injury details. Treatment involved either posterior instrumentation (n = 16) or a conservative approach using casting or bracing (n = 9). Concomitant injuries were documented. A deformity index was developed as a simple value to take into account the severity of both anterior loss of vertebral height and posterior distraction. The deformity index was significantly higher in patients with a concomitants abdominal injury and significantly higher in patients managed operatively. Functional outcome scores were completed on 14 of the patients. Patients scored within the reported norms on the SF-36 version 2 but scored poorly on the pain and disability component of the AAOS lumbar specific questionnaire. These outcomes indicate a need for using an injury specific score to accurately quantify disability.

The Spectrum of Abdominal Injuries Associated with Chance Fractures in Pediatric Patients

With the increased use of seat belts in motor vehicles, the frequency of morbidity and mortality associated with motor vehicle accidents may have decreased but there is an associated rise in injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of intra-abdominal injury in children who sustained Chance-type fractures in a motor vehicle accident. A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients admitted for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents between 1984 and 2001. Patients that sustained lumbar Chance fractures and an abdominal injury were reviewed. A total of 25 patients with lumbar Chance fractures were seen at our institution; twelve had associated abdominal injuries. The mean age at the time of injury was 10.9 years and the most recent follow-up was a mean of 4.8 years after injury. All patients were involved in high-speed motor vehicle collisions. Eleven patients were restrained using a 2-point restraint and only one was restrained using a 3-point restraint. The abdominal injury patients had a significantly higher Chance fracture index than those patients who also suffered Chance fractures but no associated abdominal injuries. Success in the management of intra-abdominal injuries is dependent on the awareness that such an injury exists.

Ureteropelvic Junction Disruption and Distal Ureter Injury Associated with a Chance Fracture following a Traffic Accident: A Case Report

A 10-year-old girl sustained a ureteropelvic junction disruption and distal ureter injury associated with the Chance fracture following a traffic accident. She was sitting on the rear seat of a car wearing a lap belt. Extensive small bowel mesenteric trauma was noted. Radiography revealed a left haemothorax with mediastinal shift and an unstable flexion-distraction vertebral fracture at L2 (Chance fracture). Subsequent intravenous pyelography demonstrated proximal extravasation from the right kidney without continuity to the upper and mid ureter, indicating a ureteropelvic junction avulsion or necrosis. Definitive surgery was delayed until day 33 because of urosepsis. Due to extensive small bowel resection, ischaemia of the ureter, and the history of urosepsis, a right subcapsular nephrectomy (rather than ureteral reconstruction) was considered the safest option for minimising further complications. It is important that trauma specialists recognise additional injuries after major trauma. Early use of a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality.

A case of Chance fracture caused by ax chopping at the upper lumbar

A case of Chance fracture caused by ax chopping at the upper lumbar

Percutaneous surgical treatment of Chance fractures using cannulated pedicle screws

Chance fractures are relatively rare injuries and can be treated either conservatively, with a cast, or surgically, especially when posterior ligament injury is present. This paper presents two cases of lumbar Chance fractures treated using recently developed percutaneous cannulated pedicle screws. The first patient suffered associated abdominal injuries that required surgery, while the second had associated stable spinal fractures. Intraoperative blood loss was minimal. Both patients progressed to osseous union without implant failure. Following minimally invasive implant removal 9 months after injury, both patients remained asymptomatic without any evidence of instability on flexion and extension images obtained during their latest follow-up. This technique may be useful in selected cases in which bone grafting is not necessary; it allows early mobilization and stable fixation while minimizing morbidity.

Lumbar artery avulsion after a low-energy Chance fracture

Lumbar artery avulsion after a low-energy Chance fracture

Chance Fracture - A Rare Injury in Pediatric Patients?

We report on a 9-year-old girl who was involved in a car accident. She suffered severe polytrauma with torn abdominal muscles, rupture of the mesenteric arteries, bowel and bladder, hematoma at the right colonic flexure and disruption of the intervertebral ligaments L2/L3, including the intervertebral disc, typical of Chance fracture. The abdominal bleeding was stopped, the bowel resected and the fracture fixed by internal fixation. The patient developed a postoperative enterocutaneous fistula in the right flank and paraplegia. She underwent three laparotomies with ileostomy and closure of the fistula. Two years later, she has normal bowel movement, the wounds are closed, the internal fixation has been removed, she is able to walk with crutches and suffers from a mild bladder dysfunction. Chance fracture is a typical fracture in adults involved in motor vehicle accidents. In the last 10 years, there have only been four case reports describing this fracture in children under the age of 10. All of these individuals were involved in a car accident and had been fixed with a lap belt. With the increasing use of lap belts, this fracture has to be considered even in young children. Mild clinical symptoms can be associated with severe intra-abdominal injuries.

Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Temporary Internal Bracing of Nondisplaced Bony Chance Fractures

Although many patients with unstable Chance fractures can heal in an external brace, others will require internal stabilization. Short-segment minimally invasive internal bracing of a Chance fracture offers the rigidity and patient compliance of internal bracing with minimal tissue disruption. This technique has not yet been described. A healthy 16-year-old female and 21-year-old male sustained classic nondisplaced Chance fractures. They were both neurologically intact. An image-guided Jamshidi needle was used to percutaneously place K-wires to direct percutaneous pedicle screws. Freehand percutaneous passing of rods to connect the pedicle screw heads on each side created a short-segment construct. Minimally invasive internal bracing of nondisplaced bony Chance fractures is an option for selected neurologically intact patients unable to tolerate external bracing.

Classification of Chance Fracture in Children Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI study of pediatric Chance fracture. To evaluate bone and soft tissue lesions in pediatric Chance fracture. Several descriptions and classifications have been already developed for Chance fracture, but mainly for adult. Furthermore, they are all based only on radiographic studies. MRI and radiographs of 18 children with Chance fracture were analyzed before treatment. On MRI, in all cases, no abnormal signs were noted on the intervertebral disc. Six patients had a bone fracture going through the pedicle and the vertebral body. Twelve patients had a physeal injury located on the superior or on the inferior vertebral endplate. Three types of lesions could be identified according to the location of the lesion in relation to the pedicle. MRI is useful in the diagnosis of pediatric Chance fracture. It allows physeal injury to be clearly identified from disc injury.