• Dong-Ju Lim.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul Spine Institute, Sanggyepaik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul, Korea.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jan 15; 100 (2): e24096e24096.

RationaleWe report the first case of the management of spinal cord transection due to thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation in human beings. There are several case reports of cord transection, but only radiological findings have been reported; we report intraoperative findings and management.Patient ConcernsA 53-year-old man presented to the hospital after falling. He had no motor power or sensation below T10 (below the umbilicus area) dermatome level. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was grade A. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography demonstrated a fracture and translation of the vertebral body at the T11-T12 level and anterior displacement of T11 on T12, with complete disruption of the spinal cord.DiagnosisComplete spinal cord resection due to T11-T12 fracture-dislocation.InterventionsWe performed spinal fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation (T10-L1) and autobone graft and decompression and repaired the dural sac to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage. There was no neurological recovery either immediately or 4 years post-operation at follow-up.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this report is the first on the intraoperative finding and management of the complete transection of the spinal cord in thoracolumbar spine injury. Perfect fusion is required to facilitate rehabilitation and daily living, prevent neurogenesis, and prevent unnecessary pain such as phantom pain.Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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