The Characteristics of Cauda Equina Injury after Thoracolumbar Junction and Lumbar Fracture |
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Abstract |
Objectives: We elucidated the characteristics of cauda equina injury according to the thoracolumbar junction and lumbar fracture. Methods: Thirty-four patients with cauda equina injuries caused by thoracolumbar junction and lumbar fracture were recruited. Fractures were divided into ① single or multiple, ② upper or lower spine or both, ③ compression or dislocation or burst fracture. Cauda equina injuries were divided into ① complete or incomplete, ② symmetric or asymmetric, ③ upper or lower roots dominant injury or the same degree injury of whole roots. We compared the characteristics of cauda equina injuries according to the fracture types. Results: Four among 6 patients with dislocations and 3 among 7 patients with burst fractures showed complete injuries, while 2 among 21 patients with compression fractures were complete injuries. Four among 21 patients with compression fractures involved the whole roots, while most of dislocations and burst fractures involved the whole roots. Two patients fractured with dislocation and complete injury, neural regenerations were not detected at their following electromyography. Conclusion: Burst and fracture with dislocation resulted in the severe and wide spread injury of cauda equina nerve roots. We speculated that cauda equina were injured by the posterior element of spine and dislocation might lead to complete injuries frequently. |
Key Words:
Cauda equina injury, Lumbar fracture, Electromyography |
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