Hernández GEH, Mosquera BG, Pereira RHI

Language: Spanish
References: 10
Page: 271-276
PDF size: 571.80 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Background: transverse process fractures are low frequent. They have an unknown incidence and are mild lesions. Simple radiography sometimes is enough to get the diagnosis and computerized axial tomography (CAT) with tridimensional reconstruction is the gold standard. In most of the cases rest is the treatment choice, as well as medication for pain and the use of orthesis.
Objective: to present a case of multiple contiguous lumbar transverse process fractures.
Clinical case: a 58-year-old male patient, heavy smoker and sedentary with a history of high blood pressure with regular treatment who slipped when he was getting downstairs and fell down the floor. He arrived at the emergency service with acute pain in lumbar region associated with difficulty to walk and antalgic scoliosis. Besides it was accompanied by mild volume increase. At physical exploration pain at palpation in left lumbar fosse was noted, Finck sing and Dejerine maneuver positive. There was pain at trunk flexion and lateralization. The rest of the physical exam was negative. The lumbosacral CAT with tridimensional reconstruction showed fractures in transverse process from the first to the fourth lumbar vertebras. Conservative treatment was indicated based on rest, pain killers and the use of an orthesis for lumbosacral spine for four weeks.
Conclusions: lumbar transverse process fractures are less frequent injures that might indicate severe associated lesions that can be overlooked. When they appear isolated, the conservative treatment with rest, pain killers and the wearing of orthesis give good functional results.

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