Complete fracture-dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine without paraplegia.

Complete fracture-dislocation of thoracolumbar spine without significant neurologic deficits is a rare entity. The possible mechanism may result from the spontaneous decompressive fractures of the spinal elements with sparing of the spinal cord. Here, we report a case of a healthy 50-year-old man who presented with complete fracture-dislocation of T12 through L1 vertebrae without paraplegia. Early diagnosis and early surgery with decompression, reduction, and stabilization is the best policy in management of this unstable spine injury.