S23: Dislocation, sprain and strain of joints and ligaments of thorax

S23.1: Dislocation of thoracic vertebra

Dislocation of thoracic vertebra is a medical condition characterized by the displacement of one or more vertebrae in the thoracic portion of the spine, which is the middle and upper back section. This kind of displacement typically results from high-energy impact situations such as vehicular accidents or severe falls. Symptoms often include back pain that can be severe and immediate, difficulty moving, and sometimes numbness or weakness in the limbs if the spinal cord is affected. The severity and nature of these symptoms may vary based on which vertebrae are dislocated and how much they are displaced. This situation constitutes a medical emergency, as spinal cord damage could lead to more severe issues like paralysis. Typically, imaging exams, such as X-rays or CT scans, are conducted to assess the extent of the injury and determine a strategy for restoring the vertebrae to their correct position.