Removal of airway foreign bodies complicated by an unstable cervical spine fracture.

Aspiration of foreign bodies is common and among the leading causes of accidental death in children. When detected promptly, an experienced physician can successfully manage foreign bodies of the airway. However, uncommon objects and physical trauma can complicate their removal. Inhalation of organic and inorganic foreign bodies of all types is well documented, but glass in the airway is an unusual and difficult problem. Further, airway foreign bodies in conjunction with an unstable cervical spine are rare. Polytrauma tends to complicate any case. We present a case illustrating both circumstances: tempered automotive glass in the airway of a child with an unstable cervical spine fracture.

Modified High Tibial Osteotomy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Treatment of unstable cervical spine fracture by skull traction is time consuming procedure, and treatment by Halo appratus has many advantages but it is very expensive. Bone cement has been applied occasionally as an adjunct to metallic internal fixation in treating patient with malignancy, i.e. limited life expectancy. Internal fixation with bone cement in addition to routine posterior fusion with bone graft is tried eliminate the need of application of complicated external immobilization in treating unstable cervical spine fracture of young patient. We experienced two cases of posterior cervical fusion using bone cement with satisfactory results. The advantages of this method are: 1. Rapid and solid fixation 2. Early ambulation 3. Reduce complicated external support 4. Reduce the date of hospitalization.