Dural tears associated with lumbar burst fractures |
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Authors: | T L Keenen J Antony D R Benson |
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Institution: | Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento. |
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Abstract: | A retrospective review of 817 spinal fracture patients revealed a 7.7% (20 of 258) incidence of dural tears in surgically treated patients. Dural tears were most common in the lumbar burst fractures (10 of 85). Twenty-five percent of patients with lumbar spine burst fractures and a neurologic deficit had a dural tear requiring repair. Eighty-six percent of patients with lumbar burst injuries and dural tears had a neurologic deficit. An initial posterior approach with inspection of the dura and stabilization of the fracture is recommended when treating lumbar burst fractures with a neural deficit. |
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