Citation

Green DA, Green NE, Spengler DM, Devito DP. J. Spinal Disord. 1991; 4(3): 312-318.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1802162

Abstract

Flexion-distraction injuries to the lumbar spine frequently occur with concomitant abdominal viscus injury. We encountered 16 patients with flexion-distraction lumbar spine injuries. Half of them also suffered abdominal viscus rupture. Lap safety belts were most frequently associated with these injuries; however, the incorrect, underarm use of the shoulder harness was common in our series. The diagnosis of the spinal injury was frequently delayed when abdominal viscus injury occurred together with a flexion-distraction spinal injury. Thorough physical and radiographic examination of the spine as well as a detailed history, including seat belt use, is necessary to diagnose these injuries properly.

Language: en