Abhishek Kashyap1, Sumit Arora2, Yasim Khan1, Sunil Kumar3, R K Chopra3. 1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. 2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India. mamc_309@yahoo.co.in. 3. Central Institute of Orthopaedics, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Associated Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Posterior fracture-dislocation of fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) is a rare injury pattern. Existing Aihara classification system lacks its mention. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases of posterior fracture-dislocation of L5 with comminuted fracture of body that presented with cauda equina syndrome. The smaller anteroinferior vertebral body fragment of L5 had its relationship maintained with sacrum, whereas the larger posterosuperior fragment of the body was retropulsed. Decompression and instrumented fusion through posterior approach yielded good clinical outcome. DISCUSSION: We also present literature review with special emphasis on fracture characteristics and suggest its possible inclusion as a separate sub-type in existing Aihara classification.
INTRODUCTION: Posterior fracture-dislocation of fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) is a rare injury pattern. Existing Aihara classification system lacks its mention. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases of posterior fracture-dislocation of L5 with comminuted fracture of body that presented with cauda equina syndrome. The smaller anteroinferior vertebral body fragment of L5 had its relationship maintained with sacrum, whereas the larger posterosuperior fragment of the body was retropulsed. Decompression and instrumented fusion through posterior approach yielded good clinical outcome. DISCUSSION: We also present literature review with special emphasis on fracture characteristics and suggest its possible inclusion as a separate sub-type in existing Aihara classification.