抄録
We reviewed the case records of 7 patients who were treated conservatively for unstable vertebral fractures and back pain lasting for more than 1 month after injury, between October 2004 and July 2005. None of the patients had neurological deficit.
There were 4 men and 3 women with an average age of 81.4 years (73 to 97 years). The average follow-up period was 6.7 months (3 to 13 months). The patients kept their heads elevated up to 30 degrees in order to close up the superior and inferior end-plate.
The mean initial wedge-shaped deformity angle in the supine position was found to be 15 degrees (5 to 30 degrees); on sitting 26 degrees (15 to 35 degrees); on “heading up” 19 degrees (2 to 25 degrees). At the final follow-up examination, the mean wedge-shaped deformity angle in the sitting position was found to be 23 degrees (11 to 37 degrees). Five patients showed stability on dynamic radiographs. Instability in 2 patients remained at 3 and 5 degrees without back pain.
We attempted to classify the pedicle fracture morphologically into 4 types with computerized tomography. There was no significant difference between fracture types and clinical features.
This findings confirm that appropriate conservative management is indicated for unstable vertebral fractures if there is no neurological deficit.
