Transverse Fracture-Dislocation of the Sacrum: a Diagnostic Pitfall and a Surgical Challenge

Transverse fracture-dislocations of the sacrum are rare. Associated lesions of the lumbosacral spine as well as neurological injuries are common. Conventional radiographs of the pelvis often fail to clearly visualize the fracture. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of progressive neurological disfunction. True lateral sacral views and CT-scans with 3-dimensional reconstructions are very helpful in establishing the full extent of the injury. These examinations should be considered in all patients with a history of high energy trauma and clinical signs indicating lumbosacral injury, such as severe low back pain and neurological disturbances of the lower extremities.

The management of transverse sacral fracture-dislocations with or without associated neurological damage is controversial. Conservative treatment is associated with a high rate of persistent deformity and residual neurological dysfunction. Surgical management allows for anatomical fracture reduction, stable fixation and revision of the spinal canal and lumbosacral nerve roots. The dorsal approach is preferred.

Two patients with transverse sacral fracture-dislocations and neurological disturbances are presented. One patient had an additional fracture-dislocation of the lumbar spine at the L4L5 level with intrusion of the lumbosacral spine into the pelvis. Both lesions in this patient were successfully stabilized using an internal fixator system. The other patient presented with a bilateral transforaminal sacral fracture. The transverse component was not recognized on the initial radiographs, which resulted in loss of reduction and progressive neurological disfunction after sacroiliac screw fixation.     

Traumatic spinopelvic dissociation or U-shaped sacral fracture: a review of the literature

Traumatic spinopelvic dissociation is a rare high-energy injury pattern, characterised by a transverse sacral fracture in conjunction with bilateral sacral fracture-dislocations. It has a high incidence of neurological complications. The true nature of the injury is easily missed and diagnosis is delayed because it commonly presents in patients with severe associated injuries. In the absence of diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to progressive deformity and chronic pain. Early realignment and fixation of the unstable lumbopelvic junction, with adjunctive decompression of compromised lumbosacral roots, are currently thought to provide the best possible environment for early mobilisation of the polytraumatised patient. Plain pelvic radiographs (anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet), lateral sacral radiograph, CT scan and reconstruction are essential to provide optimal imaging and understanding of the fracture pattern. There is no single treatment paradigm and various surgical strategies have been described in the literature. Lumbopelvic fixation or triangular osteosynthesis has recently been recommended by several authors to restore stability at the lumbosacral junction. This article presents a review of the incidence, clinical evaluation, treatment methods and outcomes of this injury pattern.     

Adjacent fracture-dislocations of the lumbosacral spine: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Traumatic fracture-dislocations of the lumbosacral junction are rare, with all previously reported cases involving fracture-dislocations at a single level. No cases of multiple fracture-dislocations of contiguous spinal segments in the lumbosacral spine have been reported. A case of traumatic adjacent fracture-dislocations of the fifth lumbar segment is presented. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: An 18-year-old male patient sustained open lumbar spinal trauma after a motor vehicle accident. A neurological examination revealed an L4 level. Radiographic evaluation of the spine revealed a three-column injury at L5 with spondyloptosis of the L5 vertebral body. Aorto-ilio-femoral angiography revealed no evidence of vascular injury. INTERVENTION: The patient was treated with a combined anterior and posterior approach in a two-stage operation. Six months postoperatively, he was neurologically unchanged; however, he was able to walk with the aid of a cane. Plain films revealed normal alignment of the lumbosacral spine. CONCLUSION: The management of traumatic lumbosacral fracture-dislocations requires careful consideration of retroperitoneal structures and possible exploration of the iliac vessels in addition to spinal reconstruction.     

Vertically unstable pelvic fractures fixed with percutaneous iliosacral screws: does posterior injury pattern predict fixation failure?

OBJECTIVE: To measure the failure rate of percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of vertically unstable pelvic fractures and particularly to test the hypothesis that fixations in which the posterior injury is a vertical fracture of the sacrum are more likely to fail than fixations with dislocations or fracture-dislocations of the sacroiliac joint. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. METHODS: All patients with pelvic fractures admitted between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1998, were identified from the trauma registry. Hospital records were used to identify patients treated with iliosacral screws. Radiologic studies were examined to identify patients who had unequivocally vertically unstable pelvic fractures. Immediate postoperative and follow-up anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet radiographs from a minimum of 12 months postinjury were examined. Position, length, and numbers of iliosacral screws and any evidence of screw failure (eg, bending or breakage) were recorded. Residual postoperative displacement and late displacement of the posterior pelvis were measured. The main outcome measure was failure, defined as at least 1cm of combined vertical displacement of the posterior pelvis compared with immediate postoperative position. The main analysis was for association between fracture pattern and failure. Patient demographic data, iliosacral screw position, and anterior pelvic fixation method also were studied. RESULTS: The study group comprised 62 patients with unequivocally vertically unstable pelvic fractures in whom the posterior injury was treated with closed reduction and percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. Of patients, 32 had dislocations or fracture-dislocations of the sacroiliac joint, and 30 had vertical fractures of the sacrum. Fixation failed in four patients, all with vertical sacral fractures and all within the first 3 weeks after surgery. These four patients required revision fixation. In two further cases with vertical sacral fractures, there was evidence that the fracture had only barely been held by the fixation, but these fractures healed, and follow-up radiographs did not meet the displacement criteria for failure. A vertical sacral fracture pattern was associated significantly with failure (Fisher exact test, P = 0.04); the excess risk of failure compared with sacroiliac joint injury was 13% (95% confidence interval 1% to 25%). There was no significant association between failure and anterior fixation method, iliosacral screw arrangement or length, or any demographic or injury variable. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is a useful technique in the management of vertically unstable pelvic fractures, but a vertical sacral fracture should make the surgeon more wary of fixation failure and loss of reduction.     

Complex multilevel lumbar spine fractures with transverse sacral fracture

We report an unusual and complex case of spinal trauma in a 17-year-old boy who presented with a transverse sacral fracture associated with multiple-level lumbar fractures, paraparesis, and bladder involvement. A two-stage surgery was performed. The lumbar spine fractures were treated with posterior instrumented correction of displacements, followed by anterior instrumentation and fusion. The sacral fracture was left untreated. At 5-year followup, the patient had complete neurological recovery except for the right L5 root function. The long-segment lumbar fusion and the untreated displaced sacral fracture contributed to spinal imbalance, due to which the patient is now able to stand only in a crouched posture. Determining the optimal treatment for the case is presented due to the relative rarity of transverse sacral fracture and paucity of evidence-based treatment approaches. In patients with associated lumbar spine fractures that require extension of instrumentation to the upper lumbar spine, it is critical to restore sacropelvic alignment to achieve spinal balance. Adequate reduction of sacropelvic anatomy can be achieved with iliac screw fixation.     

Modified triangular posterior osteosynthesis of unstable sacrum fracture

We report preliminary results for unstable sacral fractures treated with a modified posterior triangular osteosynthesis. Seven patients were admitted to our trauma center with an unstable sacral fracture. The average age was 31 years (22–41). There were four vertical shear lesions of the pelvis and three transverse fracture of the upper sacrum. The vertical shear injuries were initially treated with an anterior external fixator inserted at the time of admission. Definitive surgery was performed at a mean time of 9 days after trauma. The operation consisted in a posterior fixation combining a vertebropelvic distraction osteosynthesis with pedicle screws and a rod system, whereby the transverse fixation was obtained using a 6 mm rod as a cross-link between the two main rods. Late displacement of the posterior pelvis or fracture was measured on X-ray films according to the criteria of Henderson. The patients were followed-up for a minimum time of 12 months. Four patients who presented with a pre-operative perineal neurological impairment made a complete recovery. No iatrogenic nerve injury was reported. One case of deep infection was managed successfully with surgical debridement and local antibiotics. All patients complained of symptoms related to the prominence of the iliac screws. The metalwork was removed in all cases after healing of the fracture, at a mean time of 4.3 months after surgery. No loss of reduction of fracture was seen at final radiological follow-up. The preliminary results are promising. The fixation is sufficiently stable to allow an immediate progressive weight-bearing, and safe nursing care in polytrauma cases. The only problem seems to be related to prominent heads of the distal screws.     

Transverse sacral fractures with anterior displacement

Transverse fractures of the sacrum with anterior displacement are the rarest type of transverse sacral fractures. They usually occur at the S1–S2 region in suicide jumpers. A clinical study was performed to evaluate the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of transverse sacral fractures with anterior displacement. We present six patients with a transverse fracture of the sacrum with anterior displacement. All patients presented with bowel and bladder dysfunction, perineal anesthesia, sensory and motor deficits at the lower extremities. Prompt diagnosis of the sacral fracture was obtained in five of the six patients. Operative treatment including lumbosacral laminectomies, spine instrumentation and fusion was done in all patients. Neurological recovery was almost complete in one patient, incomplete in four patients, and none in one patient. Although reduction of the fracture was not ideal in many of these patients, long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up, and neurological improvement were rewarding.     

Early sacral stress fracture after reduction of spondylolisthesis and lumbosacral fixation: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Early sacral fracture is an extremely rare complication of instrumented lumbosacral fusion seen in older, osteopenic women. Previous reports have attributed the problem to the use of multisegmental (three or more levels) fixation, with the transfer of stress forces from rigid spinal implants to the sacrum. We report the only case, to the best of our knowledge, of early sacral fracture after a two-level lumbosacral fusion and the only case of early sacral fracture after reduction of spondylolisthesis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A patient presented with a sudden recurrence of low back and buttock pain a few days after lumbosacral decompression, reduction of L5-S1 Grade II spondylolisthesis, and instrumented L5-S1 fusion, including posterior lumbar interbody fusion. A transverse sacral fracture was found on plain x-rays 4 weeks later. INTERVENTION: Symptoms improved with brace therapy and medical treatment for osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: Early sacral fracture is a rare cause of pain after instrumented lumbosacral fusion. Although the transfer of loads from rigid spinal implants to adjacent segments is particularly problematic for multisegmental fusions, patients with short-segment constructs may also be affected. Active reduction of spondylolisthesis may provide additional adjacent segment stress contributing to this complication.     

Unilateral facet dislocation of the lumbosacral junction.

Fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral junction is an extremely rare injury. The authors are aware of only 24 reported cases. Only seven of these were unilateral facet dislocations. In this report, the authors review their experience with four cases of unilateral facet dislocations at the lumbosacral junction. In one of these cases, there was a pre-existing spondylolysis at L5, and the patient sustained a concomitant sacral fracture. From their review, the authors recommend the use of open reduction with internal fixation and lumbosacral fusion as the treatment of choice for this injury.     

Traumatic noncontiguous double fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral spine.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: To our knowledge, the presence of noncontiguous fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral spine occurring at two levels has not been reported. The etiology, evaluation, and treatment of the unusual injury is presented. PURPOSE: To notify spinal traumatologists about the possibility of this unusual injury. STUDY DESIGN: A case report of an unusual noncontiguous double fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral spine. METHODS: A 26-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle accident where his car fell over a bridge and plummeted approximately 300 feet before hitting the ground. The patient was transported to a major medical center where he was found to be conscious, and amazingly, his only major injury was fracture-dislocations of L2-L3 and L5-S1. His preoperative neurologic status showed a partial paraparesis to all motor groups of the lower extremities bilaterally. RESULTS: The patient underwent a posterior reduction, instrumentation, and fusion from L1 to S1 with autogenous bone graft and segmental pedicle screw instrumentation. One week postoperatively, he underwent an anterior spinal fusion of L5/S1. Postoperatively, his neurologic status improved allowing him to be ambulatory, with a normal lumbosacral alignment being well-maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Noncontiguous double fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral spine is an unusual injury, which results from a very high-energy trauma. Prompt recognition of the injuries, reduction of the fracture-dislocations, and posterior stabilization is recommended for neural decompression, spinal alignment, and long-term stabilization.     

Percutaneous stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures using iliosacral screws: technique and early results

PURPOSE: To present the technique and early results of percutaneous stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures with attention to neurologic recovery and maintenance of fracture reduction of the sacrum. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: During a thirty-eight-month period, 442 patients with pelvic ring disruptions were treated at a Level I trauma center. Thirteen (2.9 percent) of these patients had displaced U-shaped sacral fractures treated with percutaneous stabilization. INTERVENTION: Fracture stabilization was accomplished using fluoroscopically guided iliosacral screws inserted percutaneously with the patient positioned supine. Neurodiagnostic monitoring was not used during screw insertions. This technique was limited to patients with sacral kyphotic deformities, which allowed in situ fixation. Sacral neurologic decompression was not performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture healing and the stability of fixation were assessed on inlet and outlet radiographs and a lateral sacral view. Detailed neurologic examinations were performed at injury and at follow-up. RESULTS: The sacral fractures were classified based on plain pelvic radiographs and computed tomography scans and included one Type 1, eight Type 2, and four Type 3 fracture patterns. Twenty-five fully threaded cancellous 7.0-millimeter cannulated screws were used. Eleven patients had bilateral screw fixations; one patient had unilateral double screw fixation; and one patient had unilateral single screw fixation. Operative time for screw insertion averaged forty-eight minutes, with 2.1 minutes of fluoroscopy per screw. Accurate screw insertions without neuroforaminal or sacral spinal canal violations were confirmed in all patients with postoperative pelvic plain radiographs and computed tomography scans. A paradoxical inlet view of the upper sacral segments on the injury anteroposterior pelvis was seen in twelve of thirteen patients (92.3 percent), and the diagnosis was confirmed with the lateral sacral view in all thirteen (100 percent) patients. Preoperatively, sacral kyphosis averaged 29 degrees, whereas postoperative sacral kyphosis averaged 28 degrees. Screw disengagement occurred without a change in position of the sacral fracture in the only patient treated with a single unilateral screw. All fractures healed clinically and radiographically. Of the nine patients with preoperative neurologic abnormalities, two (22 percent) patients had residual neurologic deficits. Both patients had associated multiple level lumbar burst fractures, which required decompression and instrumented stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: These sacral fractures are rare and occur after significant spinal axial loading. A paradoxic inlet view of the upper sacrum on the anteroposterior plain pelvic radiograph heralds the diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis is avoided by a high clinical suspicion, early lateral sacral radiographs, and pelvic computed tomography scans. Surgical stabilization may assist in early mobilization of the patient from recumbency and prevents progressive deformity with associated nerve root injury. Percutaneous fixation diminishes potential blood loss and operative times, yet still allows subsequent sacral decompression of the local neural elements using open techniques when necessary. Early percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is effective treatment for these injuries.     

Delayed neurological insufficiency caused by transverse sacral fracture after minor trauma in elderly patients

Sacral fractures in elderly patients with associated lumbosacral lesions can be overlooked easily because of vague symptoms and delayed neurological insufficiency. A 70-year-old female and a 73-year-old female presented with delayed neurological insufficiency caused by transverse sacral fracture after minor trauma. Both patients had suffered from lower extremity symptoms with dysuresia and dyschezia for more than a month. Coexisting lumbosacral pathological lesions may confuse the correct diagnosis for sacral fractures. Decompressive sacral laminectomy was performed, and the patients showed relatively favorable outcomes.     

Midline sagittal sacral fractures in anterior-posterior compression pelvic ring injuries

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of an uncommon variant of the anterior-posterior compression pelvic injury, in which the posterior ring injury is a midline sagittal sacral fracture extending into the spinal canal. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive series.SETTING Two regional trauma centers. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 10 patients with rotationally displaced, vertically stable anterior-posterior compression pelvic ring fractures (OTA type 61-B1) in which the posterior ring injury is a midline sagittally oriented sacral fracture involving the spinal canal (Denis zone III). This injury pattern comprised 0.6% of pelvic fractures and 1.4% of sacral fractures treated at these two institutions during a 10-year period. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated according to the same principles used in more commonly seen types of anterior-posterior compression pelvic ring injuries. Nine patients were treated with reduction and anterior pelvic stabilization at an average of 5 days after injury, 8 of whom were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and 1 with external fixation. No posterior pelvic fixation was used. One patient with nondisplaced bilateral pubic ramus fractures was treated nonoperatively. Immediate weight bearing was allowed as tolerated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prospectively collected clinical follow-up data emphasized a detailed neurologic examination, whereas radiographic evaluation involved anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet plain radiographic views of the pelvis. RESULTS: An anatomical or near-anatomical reduction of the pelvis was achieved and maintained in all patients. Fractures healed at an average of 10 weeks. At an average follow-up of 31 months (range 20-46 months), there were no objective neurologic deficits that could be attributed to sacral root injury and no significant residual pain or gait disturbance related to the pelvic fracture. Loss of bowel or bladder function, loss of perianal sensation or sphincter tone, and lumbosacral radicular pain or sensorimotor deficit were specifically absent in all patients. Three patients, however, complained of sexual dysfunction at final follow-up. None of these patients had clinical evidence of sacral root/plexus injury secondary to the fracture. One additional patient, who sustained a urethral tear, required a chronic suprapubic catheter because of stricture. Six patients, one of whom had needed repair of a retroperitoneal bladder tear, had no urogenital sequelae. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain sagittally oriented midline fractures of the sacrum that extend into the spinal canal (Denis zone III) as part of displaced, vertically stable anterior-posterior compression pelvic injuries, have a low incidence of neurologic deficit attributable to sacral root or plexus injury. This is in contrast to the high rate of neurologic deficit (>50%) otherwise reported in zone III sacral fractures, particularly in those associated with a displaced transverse component. In the midline sagittal fracture variant, simultaneous lateral displacement of both bony and neural elements through the midline may protect the sacral roots and plexi from significant traction or shear injury by maintaining the spatial orientation between the sacral foramina and sciatic notch. Long-term sequelae were related to urogenital complaints rather than to musculoskeletal problems, as 4 of the 10 patients in this series had either sexual or urologic dysfunction.     

Factors associated with outcome of spinopelvic dissociation treated with lumbopelvic fixation

Spinopelvic dissociation is a rare high-energy injury, which is frequently associated with lumbosacral plexus and cauda equina deficits. During an 18-year period, 36 consecutive patients with a H-type sacral fracture and spinopelvic dissociation were treated using lumbopelvic fixation with a minimum follow-up of 18 months. We evaluated factors prognostic of outcome after standardised surgical fixation and neural decompression. Neurological recovery was assessed by Gibbons’ criteria. Pelvis Outcome Scale (POS clinical score) was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. Despite excellent or good radiological results in the vertical components of the sacral fractures having been achieved in all patients, 15 patients (42%) had a poor clinical outcome. The degree of initial translational displacement in the transverse sacral fracture was significantly associated with neurological recovery (as defined by a change in Gibbons score) (p = 0.038) and final POS clinical score (p < 0.001). Both neurological recovery and clinical outcome were worse in patients with completely displaced fractures than in patients with a partially displaced sacral fracture. The degree of residual translational displacement and kyphosis in the transverse sacral fracture were also associated with clinical outcome (POS clinical score) (p = 0.011 and p = 0,018, respectively). However, Roy-Camille classification (type 2 vs. type 3), age, gender, ISS, timing of surgery, and sacral laminectomy did not have a statistically significant association with the outcome. Based on the results, Roy-Camille sacral fracture classification (type 2 vs. type 3) was not prognostic of neurological impairment. Thus further categorisation of the transverse sacral fractures as partially displaced or completely displaced could be used to predict the rate of neurological recovery following lumbopelvic fixation. Accurate reduction of all sacral fracture components seems to be associated with better clinical outcome.     

Traumatic spondyloptosis resulting from high-energy trauma concurrent with a tonic-clonic seizure

Background contextTraumatic lumbosacral dislocation injuries are rare, high-energy injuries that are challenging to surgically manage.PurposeTo report a patient with a traumatic spondyloptosis of L5 on S1 as a result of bilateral pedicle fractures of L4 and L5 occurring during a motor vehicle accident, concurrent with a tonic-clonic seizure. The mechanism and treatment of the injury are discussed.Study designClinical case report and literature review.MethodsA staged circumferential fusion was performed with posterior reduction of L5 to the sacrum and instrumentation and fusion from L2 to the pelvis, followed 12 days later by anterior diskectomies and arthrodesis from L3 to S1.ResultsNear anatomic reduction and solid fusion were obtained and maintained at 3-year follow-up. The patient remained neurologically intact in all lumbosacral roots throughout the course of treatment.ConclusionsThe injury pattern described is quite rare. This case of multilevel, bilateral pedicle fracture with traumatic L5–S1 spondyloptosis was successfully treated by circumferential reduction and arthrodesis without neurological injury.     

Fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral spine. Report of a case and review of the literature

A rare lumbosacral fracture-dislocation occurred in a 22-year-old woman. In a review of the literature describing 17 additional cases, the injury was classified as rare and usually caused by severe trauma. The mechanism of injury is hyperflexion and rotation. In general, attention is drawn to the association of fractured transverse processes as an important clue to the diagnosis. Neural injury is frequent, as are fractures of the lumbosacral facet joints and sacral promontory. Attempts at closed reduction are futile, and the treatment of choice is open reduction and internal fixation with lumbosacral fusion.     

Neurological injury and patterns of sacral fractures

To evaluate the morphological and neurological findings in sacral spine injuries, a retrospective study was conducted of all patients admitted to Erie County Medical Center over a 2-year period with the diagnosis of pelvic or sacral injury. Of these 253 patients, 44 were found to have sacral fractures and form the basis of this study. The type of fracture, neurological deficit, treatment, and outcome in these patients were analyzed. The patient population consisted of 25 males and 19 females, with a mean age of 34 years (range 15 to 80 years). The fractures were classified by the degree of involvement of the foramina and central canal. Fractures through the ala sacralis only (Zone I, 25 cases) or involving the foramina but not the central canal (Zone II, seven cases) were less likely to cause nerve injury (24% and 29%, respectively). Fractures involving the central canal (Zone III), both vertical (five cases) and transverse (seven cases), were more likely to cause neurological injury (60% and 57%, respectively). Neurological deficits in Zone I and II injuries were usually unilateral lumbar and sacral radiculopathies. Zone III deficits were usually bilateral and severe; bowel and/or bladder incontinence was present in six of the 12 patients in this group. Deficits generally improved with time; however, operative reduction and internal fixation may have been useful, particularly in patients with unilateral root symptoms. The treatment options are discussed, and previously published series of sacral fractures are reviewed. The authors conclude that the classification of sacral fractures described is useful in predicting the incidence and severity of neurological deficit.     

Intrapelvic intrusion of the lumbosacral spine.

A 34-year-old female fell 7 meters onto her lower back and side, and sustained a nondislocated fracture of the 7th thoracic vertebra, a complex pelvic fracture with symphysiolysis and a left acetabular fracture in combination with a bilateral comminuted sacral fracture and downward intrusion of the lumbosacral spine. There was also a cauda equina-syndrome. Laparotomy with exploration of the lumbosacral area was terminated early because of hemorrhage. Later internal fixation of the fractures was performed by an anterior approach with complete reduction of the bilateral sacral fracture and the lumbosacral spine intrusion. We conclude that an anterior approach to this area gives good visualization, but is hazardous owing to the close proximity of the fractures to the central vessels and retroperitoneal muscles. A posterior approach gives less good visualization but may cause less hemorrhage.     

Transverse sacral fracture in children: a case report presenting with neurological injury and review of the literature

Transverse fractures of the sacrum are exceptional in children. We report a case in a 10-year-old girl. The patient presented an isolated flexion fracture of the sacrum in Denis zone III (transverse "U" fracture) of S1-S2 with neurological signs at the initial examination: sensorial deficit in the perineum and sphincter dysfunction. Treatment consisted in laminectomy and bone resection to relieve compression causing the neurological injury. Orthopedic treatment led to correct bone healing. Outcome was favorable with complete resolution of the neurological deficit and stability at three years. Eight cases of transverse sacral fracture before the age of 18 years have been reported in the literature. The diagnostic elements are similar to those in adults, but can be missed in children who rarely present sacral fracture. The therapeutic approach has varied, both for children and adults. We advocate surgical treatment in the event of neurological complications and orthopedic treatment of stable bone lesions.     

Traumatic spondylolisthesis of L5-S1

Pure traumatic bilateral lumbosacral dislocation is a rare injury with just eight cases reported in the literature. This condition occurred also in 36-year-old man, who was struck into the lower back by a falling tree, during a woodcutting, at the moment when he was kneeling and his spine was flexed. Neurological examination showed no signs of spinal nerves injury. X-ray examination of the lumbosacral spine revealed the presence of a 40% anterior dislocation of L5 over S1 with locked facets and multiple fractures of transverse processes. Computer tomography confirmed these findings and also revealed massive medial L5-S1 disc herniation. Surgery performed 9 days after the injury consisted of L5 laminectomy, L5-S1 discectomy and segmental reduction and stabilization with transpedicular screws. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion was carried out using titanium PLIF-blocks. The patient healed without complications. At a 24-month follow-up he was without any subjective complaints, neurologically asymptomatic and without restriction of mobility in the lumbosacral spine. He was able to resume his previous work. This rare case is discussed in a view of the relevant literature, biomechanics of trauma and the appropriate therapy with an emphasis on open reduction and internal fixation techniques.