- 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)