MULTIPLE UNCOMPLICATED COMPRESSION FRACTURES OF THE THORACIC VERTEBRAE BODY IN A CHILD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/24116-4944.2025.1.15408Keywords:
vertebra, fracture, compression, examination, treatmentAbstract
The aim of the study – to inform practicing physicians about the features of the course of multiple compression fractures of the thoracic spine in children, which occur even with minor injuries (when falling from a height of one's own height). The pain syndrome is usually minor, so most parents and doctors who first examine the child do not always realistically assess the severity of the injury. In such cases, it is necessary to follow a unified clinical protocol for emergency medical care for spinal injuries.
Materials and Мethods. The outpatient documentation of a child M. 11 years old who was examined at the municipal non-profit enterprise «Ternopil Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital» of the Ternopil Regional Council was analyzed. Joint hypermobility (HMS) was assessed according to the Beighton method. X-ray examination of the thoracic spine – standard apparatus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine using pulse sequences: T2W, T1W, STIR. Hitachi AIRIS Mate Open-Bore 0.2T MRI apparatus. Computed tomogram of the thoracic spine was performed using the PHILIPS Brilliance CT 64 apparatus. Contrast enhancement: native.
Results and Discussion. A rare clinical case of multiple, stable fractures of the thoracic spine in an 11-year-old child after a fall on his back from a height of his height is described. Thanks to a comprehensive examination of the spine, radiographs, MRI, CT, a wedge-shaped deformation of six thoracic vertebrae (Th3–6) of the 1st degree was revealed. Deformation of the cranial endplates (bilateral concavity) of the damaged vertebrae and slight edema of the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies disappeared on the 25th day from the moment of injury in the process of complex functional treatment.
Conclusions. «Physiological osteoporosis» of the child’s body significantly reduces the mechanical properties of the vertebrae, which is the cause of multiple fractures. Compression fractures of the spine in children can occur even with minor injuries – a fall from a height of one’s own height. As a rule, the degree of wedge-shaped deformation of the thoracic vertebrae in fractures is insignificant due to the rigidity of the chest. The combination of a functional treatment method with corset therapy is optimal for this injury.
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