Thoracic spine fractures.

Diagnosis of thoracic spine fractures in patients with multiple trauma requires careful evaluation of the chest radiograph. Primary findings, consisting of a fracture line through the vertebral bodies, decreased height of the vertebral body, an increase in the interpediculate distance and misalignment of the vertebral bodies, may all be noted on the anteroposterior supine chest radiograph. Early diagnosis and intervention may prevent a catastrophic neurologic event, such as spinal cord or nerve root damage.