Paul M Arnold1, David G Malone, Patrick P Han. 1. Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, USA. parnold@kumc.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A 23-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle crash and found to have bilateral locked facets at L5-S1. His neurologic examination, radiographic workup, surgical management, postoperative care, and the relevant literature are discussed. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: This patient underwent solid fusion with anatomic alignment following open reduction and internal fixation. He made a good neurologic recovery. CONCLUSION: Early surgery, consisting of open reduction, fixation, and fusion, provides the best results in patients with lumbosacral fracture-dislocations.
BACKGROUND: A 23-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle crash and found to have bilateral locked facets at L5-S1. His neurologic examination, radiographic workup, surgical management, postoperative care, and the relevant literature are discussed. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: This patient underwent solid fusion with anatomic alignment following open reduction and internal fixation. He made a good neurologic recovery. CONCLUSION: Early surgery, consisting of open reduction, fixation, and fusion, provides the best results in patients with lumbosacral fracture-dislocations.