Early Posterior Decompression and Reduction for T3 Burst Fracture with Complete Paraplegia

ABSTRACT

We report a case of T3 burst fracture with complete paraplegia that recovered after emergent posterior decompression and reduction. A 17-year-old boy presented with complete paraplegia which had progressed rapidly after motor cycle accident. Emergency posterior decompression and reduction was performed. After operation, lower extremity motor improved and could walk after 6 month. Even with the complete paraplegia resulted from upper thoracic burst fracture on arriving at hospital, we may expect favorable result from emergency posterior decompression and reduction if the patient is young and the motor is not absolutely paralysed at the time of early trauma period.