Abstract
Open injuries in the lumbar spine are rare. We describe a 20-year-old woman who presented with persistent weaknesses due to an associated lumbar plexus injury. She underwent surgical treatment of lumbosacral dislocation with prompt reduction with debridement and stabilization. At 7 months postoperatively, her symptoms showed signs of recovery. We believe the immediate reduction of the dislocation prevented permanent neurological injury, and stabilization helped healing and early mobilization. In keeping with the classical teaching of open fracture treatment, prioritizing early initiation of intravenous antibiotics and prompt debridement and stabilization may have helped decrease the long-term morbidity and overall sequelae of this unique and devastating injury.
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Travis M.; Tony G. Pedri; and Antony Kallur. "Open Lumbosacral Dislocation: A Case Report." UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal 8, 1 (2019). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/unm_jor/vol8/iss1/14
