Intestinal dysfunction associated with acute thoracolumbar fractures

The frequency of intestinal dysfunction, particularly intestinal ileus, among patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures and no neurologic compromise was assessed. We reviewed the medical records of 70 patients who met specific criteria. Only four (6%) of these patients developed intestinal dysfunc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inOrthopaedic review Vol. 19; no. 3; p. 284
Main Authors Peschiera, J L, Beerman, S P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.1990
Subjects
Acute Disease
Adult
Aged
Diet
Female
Fractures, Bone - complications
Fractures, Bone - therapy
Humans
Intestinal Obstruction - etiology
Lumbar Vertebrae - injuries
Male
Middle Aged
Thoracic Vertebrae - injuries
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Summary:The frequency of intestinal dysfunction, particularly intestinal ileus, among patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures and no neurologic compromise was assessed. We reviewed the medical records of 70 patients who met specific criteria. Only four (6%) of these patients developed intestinal dysfunction, manifested by vomiting, abdominal distention, diminished bowel sounds, or an intestinal ileus documented by an abdominal roentgenogram. Conservative initial nutritional management of the patients did not reduce the incidence of intestinal dysfunction. This study suggests that patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures and no neurologic compromise are not at substantial risk of intestinal dysfunction and that nasogastric suction and restriction of oral intake are unnecessary in the initial management of these patients.
ISSN:0094-6591