Lag screw fixation of remote bilateral pedicle fractures of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae after a single gunshot wound: a case report and technical pearl. 2010

Kingsley R Chin, and Karen Boselli, and Stephen Cairone
The Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. kingsleychin@imissurgery.com

BACKGROUND Of the injuries involving the lumbar spine, pedicle fractures are among the least common; those involving bilateral pedicles are rare. OBJECTIVE The aims of the study were to provide the first documentation of bilateral pedicle fractures at two consecutive levels after a gunshot, to review the mechanism of injury, and to evaluate a nonfusion treatment option for pedicle fractures. METHODS This is a technical note and case report. METHODS The outcome measures were lumbar range of motion, return of motor and sensory functions, and return to normal activities. METHODS A 20-year-old male sustained bilateral pedicle fractures at L4 and L5 with a massive dural tear, progressive neurologic deficits, and urinary incontinence. He underwent repair of the dural tear and lag screw fixation of the pedicle fractures without fusion. RESULTS The patient had full range of motion of his lumbar spine, full strength in his lower extremities, and bladder control. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of bilateral multilevel lumbar pedicle fractures after a single penetrating gunshot wound. The case documents this injury pattern after a gunshot, reviews the mechanism of injury, and presents the successful application of a nonfusion treatment option.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008159 Lumbar Vertebrae VERTEBRAE in the region of the lower BACK below the THORACIC VERTEBRAE and above the SACRAL VERTEBRAE. Vertebrae, Lumbar
D008297 Male Males
D011859 Radiography Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D001863 Bone Screws Specialized devices used in ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY to repair bone fractures. Bone Screw,Screw, Bone,Screws, Bone
D005593 Fracture Fixation, Internal The use of internal devices (metal plates, nails, rods, etc.) to hold the position of a fracture in proper alignment. Osteosynthesis, Fracture,Fixation, Internal Fracture,Fixations, Internal Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Internal,Fracture Osteosyntheses,Fracture Osteosynthesis,Internal Fracture Fixation,Internal Fracture Fixations,Osteosyntheses, Fracture
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014948 Wounds, Gunshot Disruption of structural continuity of the body as a result of the discharge of firearms. Gunshot Wound,Gunshot Wounds,Wound, Gunshot
D016059 Range of Motion, Articular The distance and direction to which a bone joint can be extended. Range of motion is a function of the condition of the joints, muscles, and connective tissues involved. Joint flexibility can be improved through appropriate MUSCLE STRETCHING EXERCISES. Passive Range of Motion,Joint Flexibility,Joint Range of Motion,Range of Motion,Flexibility, Joint
D016103 Spinal Fractures Broken bones in the vertebral column. Hangman Fracture,Hangman's Fracture,Fracture, Hangman,Fracture, Hangman's,Fracture, Spinal,Fractures, Spinal,Hangmans Fracture,Spinal Fracture
D016268 Internal Fixators Internal devices used in osteosynthesis to hold the position of the fracture in proper alignment. By applying the principles of biomedical engineering, the surgeon uses metal plates, nails, rods, etc., for the correction of skeletal defects. Fixation Devices, Internal,Device, Internal Fixation,Devices, Internal Fixation,Fixation Device, Internal,Fixator, Internal,Fixators, Internal,Internal Fixation Device,Internal Fixation Devices,Internal Fixator

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