Thoracic Complications in Patients with Traumatic Fractures in Thoracic Spine Needing Surgical Fusion

Background: Thoracic spine fractures and their operation have many undesirable problems and complications including pneumothorax, hemothorax, chylothorax, trachea and esophagus injuries, mediastinum hematoma, rib and sternum fractures and injuries of major vessels. This study surveys the incidence of the above mentioned complications. Methods: 50 hospitalized patients in the trauma ward of Tabriz Imam Hospital from 2005 to 2010 were studied retrospectively. These patients had Thoracic spine fractures needing stabilization and fusion. Results: 78% of the patients were male and 22% female with the mean age of 34. The most common cause of trauma was motor vehicle accidents (56%). Rib fracture was reported in 18% of the patients, pneumothorax in 10 % and lung contusion in 12%. No cases of chylothorax, major vessels and trachea and esophagus injuries or complications related to the operation were reported. Conclusion: Patients with thoracic spine fractures considering the extended injuries associated with primary trauma and complications related to operation in thoracic region need the cooperation of diverse specialists.