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Case Report | Anaesthesiology | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1164 - 1166 | India
Peri-Operative Anaesthetic Challenges in a 16-Year-Old with Multiple Thoracic Vertebral Burst Fractures Following Road Traffic Accident
Abstract: Background: Thoracic burst fractures following high-velocity road traffic accidents present unique perioperative challenges because of the risk of neurological deterioration, major blood loss, difficult positioning, haemodynamic instability, and prolonged surgery. Anaesthetic management requires meticulous planning to preserve spinal cord perfusion while ensuring adequate oxygenation and haemodynamic stability. Case Report: A 16-year-old female sustained multiple thoracic spine fractures following a road traffic accident while travelling as a pillion rider. MRI demonstrated an anterior wedge compression fracture of T5 with 46% vertebral height loss, burst fractures of T6 and T8, retropulsion of T6 fragments causing spinal canal stenosis, and marrow oedema involving T5, T6 and T8. CT brain showed no intracranial injury. FAST examination was negative, and echocardiography demonstrated normal ventricular function (LVEF 60%). She underwent posterior thoracic spinal decompression and stabilization under general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was maintained with oxygen-nitrous oxide-isoflurane, fentanyl infusion and vecuronium infusion. Approximately 750 mL blood loss occurred during the 6-hour surgery and was managed with crystalloids, blood transfusion and vasopressor support. The patient was extubated successfully and transferred to the intensive care unit without neurological deterioration. Conclusion: Successful perioperative management of thoracic burst fractures requires careful airway management, maintenance of spinal cord perfusion, anticipation of blood loss, multidisciplinary planning and vigilant postoperative monitoring.
Keywords: Thoracic burst fracture, spinal trauma, paediatric anaesthesia, polytrauma, spinal decompression, posterior stabilization
How to Cite?: Nikhil V Rathod, Shilpa S, Divya MJ, Pravallika Manoj, "Peri-Operative Anaesthetic Challenges in a 16-Year-Old with Multiple Thoracic Vertebral Burst Fractures Following Road Traffic Accident", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1164-1166, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26714100233, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26714100233