Abstract
There have been many reports on fracture-dislocation of the lumbar spine in recent years. Hyperextension as a mechanism for fracture-dislocation in the thoracolumbar spine was first described by Holdsworth accounting for only less than 3 percent of all fractures of the spine. De Oliverira reported an unusual pattern of sagittal shear fracture-dislocation secondary to posterior impact injuries. Hyperextension injuries result in the disruption of all ligaments & supporting elements of the spine starting with the anterior column. Sagittal translation and comminution of the posterior elements are the most common radiographic findings. Computed Tomography can accurately demonstrate the destruction of the posterior elements, and MRI is able to demonstrate the anterior ligamentous disruption. Nearly all cases suffered from paraplegia known as lumberjack paraplegia or severe neurological deficit.
A case of complete fracture-dislocation of the L4-5 resulting from hyperextensive injury without lumberjack paraplegia or neurological deficit is presented.
The diagnosis & treatment will be discussed.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor Jegan Krishnan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park 5047, Australia.
