116
CHAPTER 11
superior plate and avulsion anteriorly of a piece of the anterior superior part of the body.
The following X-rays show the various stages of reduction and alignment of the body
and its chipped off anterior-superior part, which, in due course, formed an excellent
bony fusion by the natural forces of repair between the damaged vertebra and its adjacent
upper vertebra. This man, who initially had a complete cauda equina lesion below 14,
made a considerable recovery including bladder and bowel function. He is able to walk
unaided.
21.iO.58.
22.12.58.
26.6. 59.
26.2.63.
FIG. 6ya.
21.10.58.
22.12.58.
26. 6. 59.
26.2.63.
FIG. 6yb.
A further variety of fracture-dislocation of Li vertebra with backward displacement
and complete disintegration of the body is seen in Fig. 6ya. The body is broken trans
versely into two slices, as seen in the a-p X-ray (Fig. 6yb), the anterior part pulled off and
the posterior part with its articulations shattered into fragments and the pedicle broken
(lateral X-ray). However, postural reduction and fixation of this quite unstable fracture
achieved full restoration and excellent alignment of the fractured vertebra and fusion
with its neighbouring vertebrae, as seen in a-p and lateral X-rays 5^ years after injury.
