Thoracolumbar Fractures in Adolescent Patients: Epidemiological, Clinical, Radiological Characteristics and Recent Methods of Management

Background: Spine fractures account for a large portion of musculoskeletal injuries worldwide; approximately 54.9% of the patients had fractures in the thoracolumbar spine; with most of these occurring at the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2). Objective: To assess the epidemiologic characteristics of spinal injuries in adolescents, their unique anatomic, and radiographic characteristics. Patients and Methods: 18 selected patients presented with traumatic thoracolumbar fractures admitted to the Neurotrauma Unit of Neurosurgery Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, and Al-Ahrar Teaching Hospital, Sharkia, Egypt with our study prospective study and post-resuscitation they were of both sexes and their age range starts from 12:17 years adolescent group. Results: the number of patients (18 patients) was 20.2% from 189 cases of all spine fractures in adolescent patients. Sex were 11 males (61.1%) falling from height is the most common cause of thoracolumbar fractures (50%), followed by road traffic accidents (33.3%). the most common type of fracture in both groups was a wedge and burst where it constituted more than 80%. Orthopedics fractures were the most common associated injuries which were found in 6 patients (33%). According to motor power, 14 patients had full motor power (77.7%). the most common level of injury was L1 vertebrae 11patients (61.1%). The mean height of the vertebral body in the conservative treated group was 26.11±4.85, but in the surgically treated group is 25.55 ±4.63. Conclusion: The most common cause of trauma was fall from a height (50%). The most affected vertebra was L1 (61.1%). Over 80% of patients were neurologically intact. The angle of kyphosis in the surgically treated group improved and decreased from 23 degrees to18.22 degrees.