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Acta Neurochirurgica
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica 12/2008

01-12-2008 | Case Report

Complete burst fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra treated by posterior surgery using expandable cage

Authors: Jan Kocis, Peter Wendsche, Petr Visna

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 12/2008

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Abstract

Study design

This report characterises a 25 year old male patient with a complete burst fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra with dislocation. He was treated by posterior surgery with transpedicular instrumentation and an expandable cage from the posterior approach.

Objectives

Burst fractures of the fifth lumbar vertebra are extremely rare. Patients with positive neurological findings should be treated by the posterior approach. This surgery consists of reduction, decompression, transpedicular stabilisation and fusion.

Materials and methods

The young man in our report was treated by posterior surgery only. It consisted of laminectomy, suture of the thecal sac tear, discectomies and subtotal removal of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Repositioning was carried out simultaneously with support using Synex TM Synthes USA telescopic cage and SOCON TM Aesculap Germany transpedicular fixator.

Results

The patient suffered neither wound complications nor instrumentation failure. He is currently able to walk with the help of peroneal bands but without crutches.

Conclusions

Treatment of fractures of the fifth lumbar vertebra depends on fracture type and neurological findings. Conservative management of this condition is appropriate provided there is no neurological damage and canal stenosis and deformity is minimal. Surgical treatment of burst lumbar fractures with neurological deficit is strongly recommended. The optimum treatment remains debatable
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Metadata
Title
Complete burst fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra treated by posterior surgery using expandable cage
Authors
Jan Kocis
Peter Wendsche
Petr Visna
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 12/2008
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-008-0149-5

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