Esophageal injury from thoracic pedicle screw placement in a polytrauma patient: a case report and literature review.

O'Brien, J R; Krushinski, E; Zarro, C M; Sciadini, M; Gelb, D; Ludwig, S · J Orthop Trauma · 2006

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The authors present a case report illustrating a visceral complication that may occur as result of thoracic pedicle screw placement. The case describes the previously unreported occurrence of esophageal impingement secondary to anterior vertebral body perforation by a pedicle screw at the third thoracic vertebra. This case highlights the challenge of thoracic pedicle screw placement and the importance of preoperatively measuring the maximum anterior-posterior dimension of the vertebral body.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy