Management of thoracic spine dislocation by total vertebrectomy and spine shortening: case report

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of thoracic spine fracture–dislocations is now well established with the recent progress in spine surgery. Although most affected individuals have a degree of spinal cord injury (SCI), early surgical reduction, and stabilization of the unstable deformity allow an immediate program of rehabilitation. Vertebrectomy is considered as the last surgical technique reserved for the most persistent spinal deformities that cannot be brought to an acceptable correction with less invasive methods. Case presentation: We present a case of a 19-year-old male with a sub-acute thoracic spine fracture–dislocation at the level of T7–T8 who underwent a posterior T8 vertebrectomy with reduction and instrumentation from T4 down to T1. The individual had excellent results during follow-ups regarding alignment, fusion, and rehab program. Discussion: In this case, we present the good outcome of vertebrectomy and spine shortening in an individual with thoracic spine fracture–dislocation, and the advantages of posterior approach.