Abstract

L5S1 fracture-dislocations are rare three-column injuries. The infrequency of this injury has led to a lack of a universally accepted treatment strategy. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has been shown to be an effective approach for interbody fusion in degenerative indications, but has not been previously reported in the operative management of traumatic lumbosacral dislocation. The authors report a case of traumatic L5S1 fracture-dislocation in a 30-year-old male, presenting with a right-sided L5 neurologic deficit, following a street sweeper accident. Imaging revealed an L5S1 fracture-dislocation with fracture of the S1 body. Open reduction with TLIF and L5S1 posterolateral instrumented fusion was carried out within 24 hours of injury. Excellent reduction was obtained, and maintained at long-term follow-up, with complete resolution of pain and neurologic deficit. In this patient, L5S1 fracture-dislocation was treated successfully, with an excellent outcome, with a single level TLIF and instrumented posterolateral fusion at L5S1.