Fractures of the Fifth Lumbar Vertebra

Czech version

Authors: M. Kelbl; J. Kočiš; S. Kazda; P. Wendsche
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika traumatologie LF MU a Úrazová nemocnice v Brně
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2010; 73/106(3): 274-278
Category: Short Communication

Overview

Fractures of the fifth lumbar vertebra are rare injuries. Only few papers addressing this problem appear in the world literature. The objective of this paper is a retrospective evaluation of a group of patients who were treated for such fractures in our hospital over the past nine years. It covers 28 patients with fifth lumbar vertebra fracture, hospitalized in the Brno Traumatological Hospital in the nine‑year period. Surgical procedures were used for 23 patients, while treatment was conservative in five cases. Neurological deficit was observed in 13 patients at the time of admission; eight of them recovered normal neurological status. At the end of the follow‑up period, 15 patients were pain‑free, 10 patients complained of occasional pain and three patients recorded frequent pain. In the case of patients with normal neurological status and minimal compression of the vertebral body, we recommend a conservative approach to treatment. This is also preferable for burst fractures without instability. Surgery has only a negligible effect on the height of the vertebral body and the axis of the spinal column. In cases of neurological deficit we recommend operative treatment with decompression of neurological structures. In most cases we could expect significant improvements in neurological status.

Key words:
lumbar vertebrae – spinal fractures – treatment

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