Clinical dilemma in the management of an unstable spinal fracture in a frail older patient with multiple comorbidities-conservative versus non-conservative care. A case report

Abstract

Significant dilemma exists in literature regarding the management (surgical vs conservative) of elderly patients with significant comorbidities presenting with spinal injuries. An 82 years old female patient with significant comorbidities and a background of ankylosing spondylitis presented with unstable fractures of the thoracic spine. Multidisciplinary team approach with medical optimisation, early surgical intervention followed by rehabilitation was offered to her. She made an uneventful recovery and returned back to her baseline mobility.