Experimentally induced incomplete burst fractures - a novel technique for calf and human specimens

• Main Authors: Hartensuer René, Gasch Adam, Gehweiler Dominic, Schanz Steffen, Schulze Martin, Matuszewski Lars, Langer Martin, Raschke Michael J, Vordemvenne Thomas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-03-01
• Series: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Subjects: Incomplete burst fractures; Magerl A3.1; Calf; Human; Spine; Experimental fracture induction
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/13/45

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fracture morphology is crucial for the clinical decision-making process preceding spinal fracture treatment. The presented experimental approach was designed in order to ensure reproducibility of induced fracture morphology.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The presented method resulted in fracture morphology, found in clinical classification systems like the Magerl classification. In the calf spine samples, 70% displayed incomplete burst fractures corresponding to type A3.1 and A3.2 fractures. In all human samples, superior incomplete burst fractures (Magerl A3.1) were identified by an independent radiologist and spine surgeon.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The presented set up enables the first experimental means to reliably model and study distinct incomplete burst fracture patterns in an <it>in vitro </it>setting. Thus, we envisage this protocol to facilitate further studies on spine fracture treatment of incomplete burst fractures.</p>