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Thoracic Spinal Stability: Decision Making

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Spine Trauma

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Abstract

Injuries to the spine can have devastating and permanent consequences. The thoracic spine is unique due to the presence of the ribs, sternum, and associated articulations with the vertebral bodies. These structures create a relatively rigid structure that helps to prevent fractures and dislocations. Unfortunately, when these injuries do occur, they are frequently accompanied by significant neurologic deficits. Postinjury, spinal stability is evaluated via clinical exam and radiographic studies and via using various classification schemes. The definitive treatment of an injury depends on that patient’s structural stability and clinical symptoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA, 92868, USA

    Jeremy Smith & Nitin N. Bhatia

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  1. Jeremy Smith
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  2. Nitin N. Bhatia
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Correspondence to Nitin N. Bhatia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Orthopaedics, University of Colorado, Denver, East 17th Avenue 12631, Aurora, 80045, Colorado, USA

    Vikas V. Patel

  2. Dept. Orthopaedics, University of Colorado, Denver, East 17th Avenue 12631, Aurora, 80045, Colorado, USA

    Evalina Burger

  3. Panorama Orthopedics and Spine Center, Golden Ridge Rd. 660, Golden, 80401, Colorado, USA

    Courtney W. Brown

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© 2010 Springer Berlin Heidelberg

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Smith, J., Bhatia, N.N. (2010). Thoracic Spinal Stability: Decision Making. In: Patel, V., Burger, E., Brown, C. (eds) Spine Trauma. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-03694-1_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-03694-1_18

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-03693-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-03694-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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