Reduction of crush fractures of the spine.

This film contains a demonstration of details of the reduction, fixation and eventual mobilisation of a case of crush fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra without nerve injury. The method of moving the prone, male patient is demonstrated and a double layered stockinette vest is fitted. A web harness is put around the patients shoulders and they are suspended between two tables while the plaster jacket is applied. No anaesthesia is used. The patient is shown commencing exercises and we see an x-ray of the fracture before and after treatment.