Fixation of high thoracic spine fractures. A case report.

Fractures of the thoracic spine are very frequently accompanied by spinal cord compression syndromes, including symptoms that would indicate complete severance of the spinal cord. The indicates a very small reverse of space, especially in the upper and middle segments of the thoracic spine. Even a few millimeters of dislocation among the fragments of broken vertebrae can disrupt the proper anatomical relations and produce neurological deficits. Early intervention - in the form of complete immobilization of the damaged spinal segment, the administration of Solu-Medrol in a dosage consistent with the NASCIS II recommendations, and early surgical treatment with full decompression of the nerve elements - can lead to improvement. Despite the natural splinting provided by the ribs and the sternum, the thoracic spine requires good fixation after the decompression operation, followed in short order by intensive rehabilitation.