Behavior of Injured Lamina in Lumbar Burst Fractures during Reduction Maneuvers: A Biomechanical Study

STUDY DESIGN: An experimental biomechanical study. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the behavior of a lamina injury in lumbar burst fractures during reduction maneuvers. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Lumbar burst fractures are frequently accompanied by a lamina fracture. Many researchers concluded that any reduction maneuver will close the fractured lamina edges and possibly crush the entrapped neural elements. This conclusion did not rely on solid biomechanical trials and was based primarily on clinical experience. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen lamb spines were randomly divided into three groups. Using the preinjury and the dropped-mass technique, a burst fracture model was developed. A central laminectomy of 5 mm of the L3 lumbar spine was created to mimic a complete type of lamina fracture. To measure the movement of the fractured laminar edges, two holes were drilled on both sides of the upper and lower regions of the lamina to allow for optic marker placement. A single specific spine movement was applied to each group: traction, flexion, and extension. Gap changes were measured by camera extensometers. RESULTS: After traction, the average values of the upper and lower aspects of the lamina interval showed narrowing of 1.65±0.82 mm and 1.97±1.14 mm, respectively. No statistical significance was detected between the two aspects. The upper and lower regions of the lamina gap behaved differently during extension. At 10°, 20°, and 30°, the upper part of the lamina interval was widened by an average of 0.016±0.024, 0.29±0.32, and 1.73±1.45 mm, respectively, whereas the lower part was narrowed by an average of 0.023±0.012, 0.47±0.038, and 1.94±1.46 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neural element crushing may take place, particularly at the lower aspect of the fractured lamina gap during extension and throughout the whole lamina gap during traction. The lamina gap widens during flexion. Reduction maneuvers should be attempted after exploring the fractured lamina to prevent further neurological compromise.