Multilevel noncontiguous spinal fractures are defined as injuries to the vertebral column at more than one site and separated by at least a single uninjured vertebra. We report the case of a 39-year-old man being hit by a moving train, breaking much of his spine, surviving, and returning to gainful employment. He sustained multilevel noncontiguous spinal fractures involving 17 vertebrae (C1, 2, 4, 6, 7, T1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, L1, 2, 5). He was treated using a modified external fixator for cervical spine fractures and posterior spinal instrumented fusion for L1 burst fracture, while the remaining stable fractures were managed conservatively. The purpose of this report was toemphasize the need for careful radiological evaluation in patients with highenergy trauma, and the option of treating such complex injuries by non operative means.

Multilevel noncontiguous spinal fractures Computed tomography Magnetic resonance imaging