Managing thoracolumbar spine fractures and their late complications

Abstract

This study reviews 112 consecutive thoracolumbar spine fractures at our institution. Based upon Sagittal Index (SI), Instability Score, and time from injury, patients were placed into one of three categories. All patients had a minimum of 24 months follow up after treatment. We found SI and Instability Score to be valuable in determining prognosis and guiding treatment. An SI of less than 25 degrees and Instability Score of less than or equal to 3 could be effectively treated with a non-operative approach. More severe injury patterns mquired surgical intervention. Acute injuries were treated with anterior, posterior or simultaneou$ üpprogches to the spine. An average r 80°A,. correction of deformity was achieved in the acute gr&itp. Those patients presenting late with $eveW" instability or deformity were revised with simultaneous anterior and posterior surgical approaches. An average of 72% correction was thus acM&ved. Çomplicçth'on rates in th& revision group were significantly grevter than in the other groups.