ABSTRACT

Spinal fractures are most frequently seen at the thoracolumbar spine. Fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are serious injuries which may lead to disabilities and deaths. Most common causes of the fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are motor vehicle accidents, falls and gunshot injuries. Compression fractures, burst fractures, flexion-distraction injuries and fracture dislocations are frequently seen at the thoracolumbar spine. Every victim of any high energy trauma must be suspected as having an injured spine. Patients with thoracoumbar fractures may often be polytraumatized, because these kind of injuries oftenly occur as a result of an high energy trauma. Missed spinal injuries or improper handling and transfer of the patient may cause spinal cord injuries or may worsen the present neurological status.

Treatment options for a patient with an injury of the thoracolumbar spine should be planned according to patient’s neurological status, spinal stability, degree of deformity and additional injuries. Aim of the treatment should be limitation and prevention of neurological involvement and restoration of the spinal stability. Deformity correction, minimizing the disability and early rehabilitation are the secondary objectives of treatment.