Determination of trace element levels in patients with burst fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine trace element levels (Zn, Fe, Mn, Mg, Cu, Cd, Co, and Pb) in patients with burst fractures in Van Province, Turkey.

METHODS: The study included a total of 44 participants with no additional pathologies, including 22 patients with burst fractures aged over 18 years who were admitted to the neurosurgery departments at two hospitals between June 15, 2015 and January 20, 2016 and 22 healthy volunteers. Serum samples were obtained from all participants to measure the serum levels of trace and heavy elements, including Mn, Cd, Cu, Pb, Fe, Co and Zn, using atomic absorbance spectrophotometry.

RESULTS: The trace element levels of Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, and Mg were significantly lower (p<0.001), whereas those of Fe, Cd, and Pb were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. In addition, the levels of Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, and Mg were lower and the levels of Fe, Cd, and Pb were higher in the patient group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION: The probability of burst fracture and its causes leading to any injury may be considered as an indicator balance for the concentration of trace elements between the patient group and control group and may also be a risk factor associated with the bone exposed to burst fracture Significant changes in serum levels of Zn, Cd, Mn, Mg, Pb, Fe, Cu and Zn elements can be observed in patients with burst fractures.