A CASE OF THORACIC SPINE FRACTURE-DISLOCATION (AO TYPE C INJURY) WITH THORACIC AORTIC COMPRESSION DUE TO OSTEOPHYTES TREATED BY POSTERIOR SPINAL FUSION WITH PROPHYLACTIC REBOA CATHETER PLACEMENT AND TEVAR STANDBY

Abstract

　　A man in his 60s was injured by falling from the bed of a truck and developed bilateral paralysis of the lower extremities. Upon arrival at the hospital, whole-body CT revealed fracture-dislocation of the T11-12 thoracic vertebrae. Vertebral osteophytes of T12 lightly compressed the descending aorta. A REBOA catheter was placed pre-operatively, and the patient was placed in a prone position for dislocation reduction and posterior fusion. Intraoperative hemodynamics were stable and inflation of the REBOA balloon was not required. Spinal surgery in the prone position for thoracic spine fracture-dislocation reduction may lead to life-threatening aortic injury. Prophylactic placement of a REBOA catheter in the proper position with TEVAR standby should be considered as a life-saving measure at the time of surgery.