Chance fracture in an older patient with positive sagittal imbalance and previous lumbar arthrodesis: what can be done?

The Chance fracture occurs frequently in school-aged patients' population and is related to flexion-distraction injury in motor vehicle accidents. It is so called seat-belt syndrome because the seatbelt lies over the abdomen. After sudden deceleration bends the child around the lap belt causing injuries to the abdomen, and the spine (e.g., Chance fracture). The Chance fracture after a low energy fall in elderly patient's population has rarely been reported. We present an 82 years old patient who suffered unrecognized Chance fracture after a low energy fall. The management of this patient with positive sagittal imbalance and previous arthrodesis consisted of decompression, Smith-Petersen osteotomy and posterior pedicle screw instrumentation.