Kamil Cagri Kose1. 1. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a peculiar case of spinous process fractures of 6 adjacent thoracic vertebrae along with its evaluation, management, and follow-up. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Isolated fractures of adjacent level spinous processes are extremely rare and are often treated conventionally. There is insufficient data about pseudoarthrosis of the spinous processes and its functional impact on the patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Computed tomographic (CT) scanning was used for diagnosis and follow-up. Conservative treatment with 3 months brace application was the treatment protocol chosen for this patient. RESULTS: Pseudoarthrosis at all levels was detected at follow-up; however, there was significant reduction in pain and improved function. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated thoracic spinous process fractures are extremely rare. Because 3 months application of a brace did not prevent pseudoarthrosis in this instance, and because this nonunion was found to be clinically insignificant, we recommend that the use of a brace be limited to the control of pain in the acute setting.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a peculiar case of spinous process fractures of 6 adjacent thoracic vertebrae along with its evaluation, management, and follow-up. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Isolated fractures of adjacent level spinous processes are extremely rare and are often treated conventionally. There is insufficient data about pseudoarthrosis of the spinous processes and its functional impact on the patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Computed tomographic (CT) scanning was used for diagnosis and follow-up. Conservative treatment with 3 months brace application was the treatment protocol chosen for this patient. RESULTS:Pseudoarthrosis at all levels was detected at follow-up; however, there was significant reduction in pain and improved function. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated thoracic spinous process fractures are extremely rare. Because 3 months application of a brace did not prevent pseudoarthrosis in this instance, and because this nonunion was found to be clinically insignificant, we recommend that the use of a brace be limited to the control of pain in the acute setting.