title: Update-1988. Current status of internal fixation of thoracolumbar fractures.
abstract: Rigid internal fixation has become the preferred method of treatment for unstable thoracolumbar fractures in most American spine centers. In most cases, posterior instrumentation alone is adequate, but occasionally an anterior procedure is necessary. A number of internal fixation devices are now available to the orthopaedic surgeon. Controversy exists regarding the number of levels that need to instrumented and the optimal form of internal fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Florida.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Broom
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Jacobs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*