Abstract
The method of reduction and fixation for a case of traumatic fracture-dislocation of the fifth lumbar vertebra on the sacrum with cauda equina lesion are described.
The patient was a 32 year-old man who had been struck on his back with a heavy block.
His neurological deficit was evaluated on the Asia impairment scale as B at the time of injury. A routine operative method immediately after injury was considered inadequate due to severe skin and soft tissue damage of the lumbosacral area.
Reduction was therefore obtained by the postural reduction method with a direct femur traction. The fracture was then stabilized with a pedicle screw construct attached to the pelvis by means of the Galveston technique four weeks after injury. The patient recovered well with only residual weakness of extensor hallucis longus muscles at follow up, two years after injury.
