CT引导下经皮空心钉内固定治疗骶髂关节复合体损伤

目的 评价CT引导下经皮空心钉治疗骶髂关节复合体损伤的安全性、可靠性及疗效.方法 45例骶髂关节复合体损伤患者,男20例,女25例;年龄15～58岁.交通伤28例,高处坠落伤17例.其中骶骨骨折14例(Dennis Ⅰ型5例,Ⅱ型9例),骶髂关节脱位12例,骶骨骨折合并骶髂关节脱位6例,骶髂关节复合体损伤合并骨盆前环损伤9例,合并肢体其他骨折4例.牵引复位,在CT室中应用体表定位纸定位入针点,局部麻醉下采用经皮空心钉固定骶髂关节,术后早期进行功能锻炼.结果 45例共置入空心钉72枚,手术时间21～68 min(平均37 min),术中出血约30～75 ml.38例获得随访,时间6～26个月.根据Majeed评分标准,患者评分72～96分,平均90.3分,优33例,良2例,优良率92%,无医源性神经损伤、切口感染及内固定物断裂等并发症.结论 CT引导下经皮空心钉内固定治疗骶髂关节复合体损伤定位准确,内固定稳定,手术操作安全可靠,联合早期功能锻炼,疗效肯定,是固定骨盆后环损伤的最佳治疗方法之一.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous hollow screw fixation in the treatment of patients with sacroiliac complex injury. Methods Forty-five patients (at age range of 15-58 years) with sacroiliac complex injuries including 20 males and 25 females were enrolled in this study. There were 28 traffic injuries and 17 fall injuries. Fourteen patients with sacral fractures ( 15 patients with Dennis type Ⅰ fractures and nine with Dennis type Ⅱ fractures), 12 with sacroiliac joint dislocation, six with sacral fracture combined with sacroiliac joint dislocation and nine with sacroiliac joint complex injury. All patients were treated by CT-guided percutaneous hollow screw fixation. The functional exercise was performed early after operation. Results Seventy-two hollow screws were installed in 45 patients, with the operation time for 21-68 minutes ( average 37 minutes) and the operative blood loss for 30-75 ml. Of all, 38 patients were followed up for 6-26 months. According to the Majeed functional criteria, the score of the patients was 72-96 points (average 90. 3 points ), which showed that the results were excellent in 33 patients and good in two, with excellence rate of 92%. No iatrogenic nerve injury, incision infection or screw fracture were detected. Conclusion CT-guided percutaneous hollow screw fixation takes advantages of precise direction, stable fixation and safe operation and hence is one of safe and effective methods for treatment of sacroiliac complex injury.     

Dental vertical root fractures: value of CT in detection

PURPOSE: To determine the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of dental vertical root fractures relative to the value of conventional dental radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with 42 teeth in which vertical root fracture was clinically suspected underwent dental radiography and axial CT. Two radiologists evaluated the images independently and by consensus for a fracture line. The results were compared with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of the 42 teeth were proved intraoperatively to be fractured. The sensitivity and specificity averaged for the two reviewers in the assessment of vertical fractures were 23% and 70%, respectively, with dental radiography and 100% and 100%, respectively, with CT. Consensus reading showed sensitivities of 25% for dental radiography and 75% for CT. Eight (reviewer A) or nine (reviewer B) false-negative CT findings were encountered in cases in which metallic artifacts obscured parts of the root and in cases in which the root was very small in diameter. Interobserver agreement was 95% for dental radiography and 93% for CT. CONCLUSION: CT is superior to dental radiography in the detection of dental vertical root fractures.     

CT cystography: radiographic and clinical predictors of bladder rupture

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to identify radiographic and clinical variables that correlate with bladder rupture that may then be used as selection criteria for CT cystography in trauma patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Hemodynamically stable trauma patients with hematuria were examined under standardized protocol with dynamic oral and i.v. contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis, followed immediately by CT cystography. CT cystography consisted of contiguous 5-mm axial scans of the pelvis after retrograde distention of bladder with 300-400 ml of 4% iodinated contrast material. Radiographic and clinical variables (pelvic fracture, pelvic fluid, intraabdominal visceral injury, degree of hematuria, hematocrit, units of blood transfused, base deficit, injury mechanism, seat belt use, sex, age) were assessed and statistically analyzed using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Positive and negative individual and multivariate predictors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 157 patients entered in our study, 12 (eight males and four females) had bladder rupture. One or more pelvic fractures were present in nine (75%) of the 12 patients (p < 0.001). Pubic symphysis diastasis, sacroiliac diastasis, and sacral, iliac, and pubic rami fractures were statistically associated with bladder rupture. Isolated acetabular fractures did not correlate with rupture. Eight (67%) of the 12 patients with bladder rupture revealed on CT cystography had gross hematuria (p < 0.001). No ruptures were seen in patients with <25 RBC/HPF (red blood cells per high-power field). All patients with rupture had pelvic fluid revealed on standard contrast-enhanced CT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Gross hematuria, pelvic fluid, and specific pelvic fractures were highly correlated with bladder rupture; identification of these findings may help in selection of trauma patients for CT cystography.     

前路钛板内固定治疗骶髂复合体损伤纵向残留移位与预后

目的探讨骶髂复合体损伤前路钛板内固定术后纵向残留移位程度与术后功能恢复相关性。方法随访我院2007年10月～2011年6月39例骶髂复合体损伤前路钛板内固定患者,根据术前、终末随访X线片或CT平扫、三维重建资料,参照Tornetta和Matta评价纵向残留移位程度,Majeed评价功能情况,统计学分析纵向残留移位与术后功能相关性。结果随访6个月～4年,平均16个月。术后2例出现切口不愈合,2例遗留L5神经根症状,末次随访骨折纵向残留移位〈4mm（优）11例、4～10mm（良）19例、10～20mm（中）8例、〉20mm（差）1例,优良率76.9%;功能恢复优18例、良10例、可9例、差2例,优良率71.8%;术后功能在纵向残留移位〈10mm与〉10mm者之间比较有统计学意义,在〈4mm与4～10mm者之间比较无统计学意义。结论前路钛板内固定能取得满意疗效,但其抗纵向应力较弱,骶髂复合体纵向残留移位〈10mm对术后功能恢复影响小。     

CT characteristics of traumatic sacral fractures in association with pelvic ring injuries: correlation using the Young-Burgess classification system

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to determine the incidence of sacral fracture patterns on CT imaging of pelvic trauma patients with correlation with mechanism of injury and pelvic ring injury pattern using the Young-Burgess classification system.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective review of all pelvic CTs with pelvic fractures performed at our level 1 trauma center during a 4-year period from July 2010 to June 2014.

Results

Sacral fractures were very common in pelvic trauma patients, being present in 60% of patients presenting to our institution with pelvic fractures. Longitudinal fractures were almost always associated with additional pelvic ring injuries. Denis zone 1 fractures had the highest association with lateral compression pelvic ring injuries. Denis zone 2 and 3 fractures were seen with increased frequency in AP compression and vertical shear injuries. A third of transverse sacral fractures occurred in isolation, with isolated transverse sacral fractures typically occurring in the low (S3–S5) sacrum. Almost half of combined transverse and longitudinal sacral fractures occurred without an additional pelvic fracture present. Sacral avulsions almost always occurred as part of a pelvic ring fracture pattern, most commonly in AP compression injuries. Coccyx fractures frequently occurred in isolation, but were commonly seen in vertical shear injuries when associated with a pelvic ring injury pattern.

Conclusion

Avulsion fractures and longitudinal fractures of the sacrum are almost always associated with anterior pelvic ring injury. Conversely, transverse fractures of the lower sacrum and combined longitudinal and transverse sacral fractures are prone to occur in isolation.

     

CT-guided fixation of sacral fractures and sacroiliac joint disruptions

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), the currently preferred method for treatment of unstable posterior pelvic and sacral fractures, has two significant disadvantages: the need for blind placement of the fixation screws and the occurrence of high complication rates. Advantages of computed tomographic (CT)-guided sacral fixation include direct visualization of the course of the screws and absence of significant complications. Eight patients with unstable but reducible sacral fractures or sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disruptions (seven unilateral and one bilateral) underwent CT-guided sacral fixation with use of the standard orthopedic A-O, 7.0-mm-diameter cannulated screw system. The guide pin was positioned across the fracture or SIJ by using depth and angulation measurements derived from the scout CT scans. After confirmation of the position of the pin with CT, the screw tract was drilled, and the cannulated screw was placed into position. Radiographic and clinical follow-up (5-9 months) showed healing with no significant complications in all eight patients. CT-guided sacral fixation is a safe alternative to ORIF in patients with reducible unstable pelvic fractures.     

螺旋CT骨三维重建在汶川大地震关节内及其它部位骨折诊断中的应用

目的 探讨螺旋CT骨三维重建在汶川大地震关节内及其它部位骨折诊断中应用价值.方法 对25例汶川地震中关节内及其它部位骨折患者行多层螺旋CT容积扫描,在工作站上对图像进行包括多平面重建及表面遮盖骨三维重建处理,观察重建图像对骨折的显示.结果 25例患者共36处骨折,采用骨三维重建方法均清楚显示.膝关节骨折6处,显示X线平片漏诊胫骨后交叉韧带止点撕脱性骨折1处;踝关节骨折3处,其中1例为Pilon骨折;肩关节骨折5处,发现X线漏诊肩关节盂前唇骨折1处;肘关节骨折3处;颈椎骨折2处,胸椎骨折4处,腰椎骨折5处,其中2例为爆裂性骨折,均伴关节突关节骨折,1例伴椎体滑脱;骨盆骨折8处,其中1处为骶髂关节骨折伴骶髂关节分离.本组中开放性骨折4例,骨折伴脱位6例,25例骨折病例周围软组织均不同程度肿胀.结论 螺旋CT骨三维重建能直观、逼真地显示骨折情况,为临床诊断及治疗提供更加充分的资料.     

不稳定骨盆后环损伤的手术治疗

目的 探讨如何选择不稳定骨盆后环损伤的内固定方法,为临床内固定的选择提供依据.方法 选择2003年6月-2008年3月收治的不稳定骨盆后环损伤患者53例,其中男39例,女14例;年龄10～69岁,平均39.5岁.致伤原因:交通伤36例,高处坠落伤12例,挤压伤5例.骨盆后环损伤情况:髂骨后部纵向骨折7例;不稳定骶骨骨折27例,按Denis分型标准:Ⅰ区14例,Ⅱ区11例,Ⅲ区2例;不稳定骶髂关节脱位19例,其中伴髂骨翼骨折的骶髂关节脱位7例,经耳状关节与韧带的骶髂关节脱位2例,伴骶骨翼骨折的骶髂关节脱位10例.外伤至手术时间3～28 d,平均6.7 d.采用前侧重建钢板固定7例,经皮骶髂螺钉内固定26例,经皮后方跨骶骨重建钢板内固定20例.结果 本组53例均获12～36个月(平均17.2个月)随访.无切口感染、术中血管神经损伤、内固定松动或断裂,无骨不愈合或明显双下肢不等长.术后根据Matta评分标准:优19例,良27例,可7例,优良率为87%.功能恢复根据Majeed功能评分:优19例,良27例,可7例,优良率为87%.5例骶丛损伤患者鞍区感觉减退或膀胱排尿困难的症状均基本消失,2例骶从损伤患者遗留会阴部麻木和足下垂. 结论 手术重建骨盆后环的稳定性可获得良好的功能康复.应根据骨折的类型、内固定技术的适用范围、手术者的经验、设备条件等具体情况,选择合适的内固定方法.     

骨显像对未分化脊柱关节病的诊断价值

目的 探讨骶髂关节/骶骨放射性比值对未分化脊柱关节病（uSpA）的诊断价值。方法 对临床有腰腿症状、类风湿因子（RF）阴性、骶髂关节X线和CT检查可疑的76例不同年龄受检者的152个关节,进行SPECT全身骨显像及骶髂关节局部显像,取得不同部位的两组放射性比值。并与正常值比较。结果 76例uSpA患者152个骶髂关节中X线平片有16个异常,CT检查有41个异常,骨显像有94个骶髂关节/骶骨放射性比值升高,39例患者有髋关节和（或）胸锁关节、腰椎等其他关节病变,无异常发现19例。结论 核素骨显像诊断uSpA较X线及CT灵敏。     

Classification of parenchymal injuries of the lung

Pulmonary contusion, implying interstitial and alveolar injury without significant laceration, has been accepted as the primary lung injury in nonpenetrating chest trauma. Computed tomographic (CT) findings were compared with those of chest radiography in 85 consecutive patients with chest trauma in which there was a pulmonary radiodensity consistent with pulmonary contusion or patients with a history of severe chest trauma with normal parenchyma despite rib fractures, hemothorax, pneumothorax, or widened mediastinum. CT was found to be more sensitive than radiography in that 151 abnormalities (excluding rib fractures) were demonstrated on radiographs versus 423 abnormalities on CT scans, and 99 lacerations were seen on CT scans versus five on radiographs. Pulmonary lacerations were classified into four types on the basis of CT findings and mechanism of injury: compression rupture, compression shear, rib penetration, and adhesion tears. In these cases, pulmonary laceration was shown to be an integral component of the mechanism of injury in pulmonary contusion, pulmonary hematoma, pulmonary cyst or pneumatocele, or cavitation in pulmonary contusion.     

Magnetic resonance appearance of sacral insufficiency fractures

Insufficiency fractures of the sacrum are a commonly recognized form of stress fracture typically occurring in elderly patients. As such patients usually present with low back pain, MR imaging is often performed initially as a means of evaluation. We present 5 patients with sacral insufficiency fractures imaged with MR. Metastatic disease was a leading clinical suspicion as all patients were elderly and three had known primary neoplasms. T₁-weighted sequences demonstrated bands of decreased signal intensity, usually paralleling the sacral aspect of the sacroiliac joints and occasionally occurring as a horizontal band across the sacral body. Four of five patients underwent further evaluation with computed tomography (CT) or nuclear bone scanning, which confirmed the diagnosis of sacral insufficiency fracture. We conclude that MRI is sensitive but not specific in detecting sacral insufficiency fractures. As MR imaging is rapidly becoming the method of choice for evaluating back pain, it is important to consider this diagnosis in elderly persons.     

Relationship of spontaneous passage of ureteral calculi to stone size and location as revealed by unenhanced helical CT.

OBJECTIVE: Prior studies using radiography have examined the relationship of ureteral stone size and location to the probability of spontaneous passage. Given the improved accuracy and new role of unenhanced CT in the diagnosis of acute ureterolithiasis, we studied the relationship of stone size and location as determined by unenhanced CT to the rate of spontaneous passage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 29-month period, 850 patients with acute flank pain were evaluated with unenhanced CT. Confirmation of the CT diagnosis was obtained retrospectively for 172 patients with ureteral stones: 115 stones passed spontaneously and 57 required intervention. Stone size was defined as the maximum diameter within the plane of the axial CT section. Stone location was classified as proximal ureter (above the sacroiliac joints), mid ureter (overlying the sacroiliac joints), distal ureter (below the sacroiliac joints), and ureterovesical junction. RESULTS: The spontaneous passage rate for stones 1 mm in diameter was 87%; for stones 2-4 mm, 76%; for stones 5-7 mm, 60%; for stones 7-9 mm, 48%; and for stones larger than 9 mm, 25%. Spontaneous passage rate as a function of stone location was 48% for stones in the proximal ureter, 60% for mid ureteral stones, 75% for distal stones, and 79% for ureterovesical junction stones. CONCLUSION: The rate of spontaneous passage of ureteral stones does vary with stone size and location as determined by CT. These rates are similar to those previously published based on radiography.     

AP pelvis radiograph is insufficient for diagnosis of U-type sacral fractures

Purpose

We investigated the sensitivity of a screening test for pelvic ring disruption, the AP pelvis radiograph, for clinically serious U-type sacral fractures which merit consultation with an orthopedic trauma specialist and may require transfer to a higher level of care.

Methods

Retrospective clinical cohort of 63 consecutive patients presenting with U-type sacral fractures at one level 1 trauma referral center from January 2006 through December 2019. The sensitivity of the first AP pelvis radiograph obtained on admission, interpreted without reference to antecedent or concomitant pelvis computed tomography (CT) by a radiologist and a panel of three blinded orthopedic traumatologists, was determined against a reference diagnosis made from review of all pelvis radiographs, CT images, operative reports, and clinical documentation.

Results

Sensitivity of AP pelvis radiograph for U-type sacral fractures was 2% as interpreted by a radiologist and mean 12% (range 5–27%) as interpreted by orthopedic traumatologists with poor inter-rater agreement (Fleiss’ κ?=?0.11). 94% of sacra were at obscured by radiographic artifact.

Conclusion

The sensitivity of an AP pelvis radiograph is poor for U-type sacral fractures, whether interpreted by radiologists or orthopedic traumatologists. Pelvis CT should be considered as a screening test to rule out sacral fracture when the patient reports posterior pelvic pain, even if plain radiography demonstrates no injury or a minimally displaced pelvic ring disruption.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic level III

     

Adequacy of plain radiography in the diagnosis of cervical spine injuries

Our hypotheses were (1) that plain radiography of the cervical spine in the evaluation of low risk patients with minor blunt trauma is accurate and (2) that computed tomography (CT) of the cervical spine in the evaluation of low risk patients is unnecessary. This study evaluates those hypotheses. We prospectively recorded findings of all patients with blunt trauma who underwent imaging over a period of 70 days. Injury status was determined by review of all radiographic studies obtained on each patient. Chart reviews were performed to determine mechanism of injury and neurological status. Patients were divided into three groups: very low risk, low risk, and high risk. Study end point was fracture. The study included 219 patients. The very low risk group had 107 patients, none of whom had fractures found on CT (projected specificity of plain radiography: 100%). The low risk group contained 78 patients who had no fractures seen on plain radiography or CT (specificity of plain radiography and CT: 100%). The high risk group consisted of 34 patients; 15 had fractures demonstrated on CT. Plain radiography missed one fracture out of 15. In low risk patients, plain radiography is an efficient diagnostic exam with a specificity of 100%. In high risk patients, plain radiography is a good adjunctive screening exam in conjunction with CT scan, with a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 95%.     

Evaluation of the role of chest computed tomography in the management of trauma patients

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the management of trauma patients is evolving. The present study reviews the chest radiographic and chest CT findings in a group of trauma patients to determine the clinical impact of findings noted exclusively on chest CT.Fifty-five trauma patients examined with chest radiography and chest CT and whose clinical charts were available for review were retrospectively identified. There were 46 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 39 years. The presence (and size) of pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and fractures was tabulated for the chest radiographs and CT scans. The presence of mediastinal widening on chest radiographs and all mediastinal findings on CT were noted. The results of aortography, when applicable, were correlated. The clinical charts were reviewed to assess the impact of CT findings on patient management.Pneumothorax (P<0.05), hemothorax (P<0.05), pulmonary contusions, and fractures were noted more frequently on chest CT than on chest radiography. However, clinical management was affected in only three (5%) of these patients. Chest CT findings related to the mediastinum affected patient management in 13 (24%) patients. CT obviated the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with mediastinal widening on chest radiographs. Six other patients had aortography, four for mediastinal hematoma with a normal-appearing aorta on contrast medium-enhanced CT, and two for mediastinal hematoma and aortic injury on CT.Despite detection of significantly more pneumothoraces and hemothoraces on chest CT, clinical management was affected in only a small minority (5%) of cases. CT did prove useful in evaluating the mediastinum, obviating the need for aortography in 7 of 10 patients with a widened mediastinum on chest radiography and accurately diagnosing the presence and site of aortic injury in the two patients with that diagnosis.     

MRI of occult sacral insufficiency fractures following radiotherapy

Following radiation therapy, marrow abnormalities noted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequent and may mimic metastases. Specific radiotherapy changes are usually easily identifiable; however, traumatic lesions cause more interpretive difficulties. We assessed the incidence and MRI characteristics of insufficiency fractures in this population. During a 5-year span (1987–1991), 546 patients received pelvic radiotherapy for primary malignancies. MRI was performed in 25 of these patients at least 3 months after treatment. The mean dose in this group was 53 Gy. These MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed for the appearance of the sacrum with particular attention to the presence of insufficiency fractures. This was correlated with clinical course and scintigraphic findings. Presumed insufficiency fractures on MRI paralleled the sacral side of the sacroiliac joint, enhanced with Gd-DTPA, were most prominent or initially seen anteriorly, and had ill-defined margins on all imaging sequences. The incidence of occult sacral insufficiency fractures was at least 20%. Insufficiency fractures of the sacrum in the post-radiotherapy patient are a relatively frequent occurrence which can mimic metastases. Consideration of this phenomenon and knowledge of differential features may avoid overdiagnosis of osseous metastases.     

Can computed tomography be relied upon to detect skull fractures?

Skull fractures were detected on plain films in 63 of 100 consecutive head-injured patients admitted to a neurosurgical unit. On routine computed tomographic (CT) lateral scout films, only 58% of lateral fractures were detected and there was a false positive rate of 12%. None of the anterior or posterior fractures was seen. On the routine axial CT cuts only 22.5% of fractures were detected. When examined at bone window settings, 76% of vertical and 37.5% of oblique linear fractures were detected but none of the horizontal fractures. All comminuted and depressed fractures were demonstrated when the axial cuts were examined at bone window settings and in all but one case by the scanogram and at routine brain window settings. Basal fracture extent was better shown by axial CT than on plain films, especially at bone window settings. Recommendations are made regarding the use of CT in the detection of skull fractures.     

Pelvic stress injuries: the relationship between osteitis pubis (symphysis pubis stress injury) and sacroiliac abnormalities in athletes

Objective. To demonstrate with radiographic imaging the association between pubic stress injury and sacroiliac abnormalities in athletes. Design and patients. Eleven athletes (9 men and 2 women), comprising seven male long-distance runners, one male soccer player, one male and two female basketball players, were imaged with plain films for complaints of pubic symphysis pain, sciatica, groin pain, or a combination of these complaints. In addition to the plain films, four patients were imaged with CT, two patients had MR imaging, and a bone scan was performed in three patients. Anteroposterior plain films of the pelvis of 20 patients without back pain or pubic pain were evaluated for comparison as a control group (ages 18–72 years, average 49 years; 11 women and 9 men). Results. All athletes showed plain film evidence of either sclerosis, erosions or offset at the pubic symphysis. Four had avulsion of cortical bone at the site of insertion of the gracilis tendon. Four patients demonstrated sacroiliac joint abnormalities on plain films consisting of sclerosis, erosions and osteophytes, and in one of these athletes, bilateral sacroiliac changes are present. Two patients with normal sacroiliac joints on plain films had a bone scan showing increased radionuclide uptake bilaterally at the sacroiliac joints. One patient with both plain film and CT evidence of sacroiliac abnormalities had an MR examination showing abnormal signal at both sacroiliac joints and at the pubic symphysis. A sacral stress fracture was found on CT in one patient with complaints of sciatica. In the control group, six patients, all over the age of 55 years, had mild sclerosis of the symphysis, but no plain film evidence of sacroiliac abnormalities. Conclusion. We have found a group of athletes in whom stress injuries to the pubic symphysis are associated with changes in the sacroiliac joint as demonstrated by degenerative changes or in the sacrum as manifested as a sacral stress fracture. These findings are probably due to abnormal stresses across the pelvic ring structure that lead to a second abnormality in the pelvic ring. The abnormality in the sacrum is not always well seen with conventional imaging. Recognition of the association of stress injury of the symphysis with back pain is important in that it can help avoid inappropriate studies and diagnostic confusion.     

Spinopelvic dissociation: multidetector computed tomographic evaluation of fracture patterns and associated injuries at a single level 1 trauma center

The objective of the present study is to evaluate multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) fracture patterns and associated injuries in patients with spinopelvic dissociation (SPD). Our institutional trauma registry database was reviewed from Jan. 1, 2006, to Sept. 30, 2012, specifically evaluating patients with sacral fractures. MDCT scans of patients with sacral fractures were reviewed to determine the presence of SPD. SPD cases were characterized into the following fracture patterns: U-shaped, Y-shaped, T-shaped, H-shaped, and burst. The following MDCT features were recorded: level of the horizontal fracture, location of vertical fracture, kyphosis between major fracture fragments, displacement of fracture fragment, narrowing of central spinal canal, narrowing of neural foramina, and extension into sacroiliac joints. Quantitative evaluation of the sacral fractures was performed in accordance with the consensus statement by the Spine Trauma Study Group. Medical records were reviewed to determine associated pelvic and non-pelvic fractures, bladder and bowel injuries, nerve injuries, and type of surgical intervention. Twenty-one patients had SPD, of whom 13 were men and eight were women. Mean age was 41.8 years (range 18.8 to 87.7). Five fractures (24 %) were U-shaped, six (29 %) H-shaped, four (19 %) Y-shaped, and six (29 %) burst. Nine patients (43 %) had central canal narrowing, and 19 (90 %) had neural foramina narrowing. Eleven patients (52 %) had kyphotic angulation between major fracture fragments, and seven patients (33 %) had either anterior (24 %) or posterior (10 %) displacement of the proximal fracture fragment. Fourteen patients (67 %) had associated pelvic fractures, and 20 (95 %) had associated non-pelvic fractures. Two patients (10 %) had associated urethral injuries, and one (5 %) had an associated colon injury. Seven patients (33 %) had associated nerve injuries. Six patients (29 %) had surgical fixation while 15 (71 %) were managed non-operatively. On trauma MDCT examinations, patients with SPD have characteristic fracture patterns. It is important to differentiate SPD from other pelvic ring injuries due to high rate of associated injuries. Although all SPD injuries are unstable and need fixation, the decision for operative management in an individual patient depends on the systemic injury pattern, specific fracture pattern, and the ability to attain stable screw fixation.     

Frequency and importance of transverse process fractures in the lumbar vertebrae at helical abdominal CT in patients with trauma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and importance of transverse process fractures of lumbar vertebrae identified at helical computed tomography (CT) in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Helical abdominal CT scans in 536 consecutive patients with a history of blunt abdominal trauma were prospectively evaluated for transverse process fractures of the lumbar spine. The number and level of fractures were categorized and correlated to the retrospective and initial interpretations of the radiographs obtained at original trauma examination. Number and type of associated abdominal injuries were recorded. RESULTS: CT scans showed transverse process fractures in 39 (7.3%) patients. Seventy-nine fractures were identified (single fractures in 12 patients, multiple fractures in 27). Fractures were right-sided in 13 patients, left-sided in 24, and bilateral in two. Transverse process fractures of the L3 vertebra were most common (n = 25). Fractures were not reported in 20 (61%) of 33 initial radiographic assessments. Even at retrospective review, only 30 (57%) of 53 fractures were correctly identified. Transverse process fractures were associated with abdominal injuries in 20 (51%) patients; this association was statistically significant (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Initial conventional radiography is relatively insensitive in the detection of transverse process fractures of the lumbar spine. There is a statistically significant association between transverse process fractures and abdominal injury.