Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

Authors

• Thomas A Zdeblick
• Rick C Sasso
• Alexander R Vaccaro
• Jens R Chapman
• Mitchel B Harris

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2009

Abstract

Surgical management of a thoracolumbar fracture varies according to many factors. Fracture morphology, neurologic status, and surgeon preference play major roles in deciding on an anterior, a posterior, or a combined approach. The goal is to optimize neural decompression while providing stable internal fixation over the least number of spinal segments. Short-segment constructs through a single-stage approach (anterior or posterior) have become viable options with advances in instrumentation and techniques. Unstable burst fractures can be treated with anterior-only fixation using a strut graft and a modern thoracolumbar plating system or with a posterior-only construct using pedicle screws and possibly hooks. A circumferential construct is considered for extremely unstable injuries.

Volume

58

First Page

639

Last Page

644

ISSN

0065-6895

Published In/Presented At

Zdeblick, T. A., Sasso, R. C., Vaccaro, A. R., Chapman, J. R., & Harris, M. B. (2009). Surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Instructional course lectures, 58, 639–644.

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

19385573

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article