Ten instances of fracture-dislocation of the thoracolumbar spine are
described in which the lower vertebra was displaced forward under the upper
one by forward slipping of the posterior articular processes. The mechanism
involved is a posterior lumbosacral shearing force. All patients had
neurological deficits of different degrees of severity and all but three
patients recovered. Surgical treatment was indicated because of instability
in four patients and was done in three of the four. Surgical reduction was
always difficult. A stable and painless spine was achieved in all patients
surveyed, regardless of the kind of treatment given. One patient died of
other injuries.