Work

Chance fracture: A case report and review of the literature

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A Chance fracture, also known as a "seatbelt fracture," is "an unstable spinal injury that usually occurs at the thoracolumbar junction. Complications of a Chance fracture include spinal cord injury, neurological deficits, and long-term functional impairment if not promptly identified and treated. In this case report, we present the case of a 13-year-old patient who sustained a Chance fracture following a 30-foot vertical fall, an atypical mechanism of injury. Imaging revealed a vertebral body fracture with a horizontal break through the posterior elements and accompanying ligamentous tears. Management included surgical stabilization via pedicle screw fixation and laminectomy. This case highlights the importance of considering axial loading mechanisms in pediatric trauma patients and the role of timely surgical intervention in preventing long-term complications.

Source: Radiology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.10.074

Authors: Levi Elhadad, Shibin Mathews, Justin Toma, Anjalie Gulati, Daniel Masri

Institutions: Tel Aviv University, Maimonides Medical Center, State University of New York, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, University of California, Riverside

Language: English

Topic: Spinal Fractures and Fixation Techniques

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $550