Thoracolumbar Fractures

Abstract

Fractures in the thoracolumbar spine are common and frequently associated with poly-trauma. Treatment of these injuries depends on a sound knowledge of the injury patterns and the forces applied to the spine to produce these deformities. A number of classification systems have been developed over the years to help clinicians better understand the morphology and mechanism of propagation of fracture patterns. These classification systems can be used as good general tools to help making decisions about operative interventions in spinal injuries. Most of these injuries are relatively stable and do not require operative fixation, and reductions can be achieved indirectly by either patient positioning or use of the spinal instrumentation. Infrequently does the fracture have to be directly manipulated to achieve reduction. Urgent neurological deterioration necessitates urgent investigation and surgery. In this chapter, the management of thoracolumbar fractures is discussed.