Radiation-Free Management of Lumbar Spine Burst Fractures in Pregnant Women: A Report of Two Cases

JBJS Case Connect. 2019 Dec;9(4):e0294. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.19.00294.

Abstract

Case: We present the strategies we used in surgical management of delayed presentation of traumatic lumbar fractures with neurological deficits in 2 young primigravida mothers in early trimesters of pregnancy. Posterior stabilization was achieved in a prone position using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without radiation.

Conclusions: Management of spinal cord injury in pregnancy is a delicate scenario in which risks and benefits of surgery have to be explained to the patient for whom surgical management is contemplated. Risk of radiation to the fetus is completely avoided by using MRI perioperatively to assess injury and outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Fractures / surgery
  • Young Adult