- See:
Thoracolumbar fractures:
- Frx Discussion:
- frx in this region are usually the result of hyperflexion, which
produces wedge compression of one or more vertebral bodies;
- due to the rigidity of the rib cage, most of these fractures are
stable; (See
Burst Fx)
- where kyphosis > 30 deg, internal stabilization probably will be
required to prevent further deformity;
- thoracic spinal canal is narrow in relation to spinal cord, so that
thoracic spinal cord injuries commonly are complete;
- Anatomy:
- thoracic vertebrae have two costal facets on each side, one along upper
& other along lower edge at the junction of the body w/ arch;
- each facet is in reality demifacet that, together w/ demifacet of
adajcent vertebra, forms a cup-shaped depression for articulation
with the head of a rib;
- spinous processes of T2 to T12 are long & slope sharply downward;
- laminae are broad and sloping and overlap like shingles of roof;
- transverse processes extend posteriorly as well as laterally, and each
ends in a clubbed extremity whose anterior surface has small facet
for articulation with the tubercle of the corresponding rib;
- articular processes are thin, more or less triangular, and have flat
articular surfaces somewhat oriented in a frontal plane;
- superior articular facets face backward, upward, and medially;
- inferior articular facets face forward and laterally;
- movement most obviously permitted is lateral flexion (abduction and
adduction);
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Placement of pedicle screws in the thoracic spine. Part II: An anatomical
and radiographic assessment.
Placement of pedicle screws in the thoracic spine. Part I: Morphometric
analysis of the thoracic vertebrae.
