[Thoracolumbar spine fractures after conservative and surgical treatment. Dependence of correction loss on fracture level].
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study presents results after conservative and operative treatment of thoracolumbar fractures as function of its localization.


METHODS
In 2 years 70 patients with A1/A2 fracture were conservatively treated, 38 patients with A3/B/C injury were treated by internal fixtor. For evaluation 3 vertebral sections(Th5-10,Th11-L2,L3-5)were defined. Follow-up took place 1 year after implant removal or end of conservative treatment.


RESULTS
The correction-loss was highest in thoracic, lowest in lumbar region. After conservative therapy,correction-loss was located to 3/4 in vertebra itself, after operative treatment especially in adjacent disc spaces. There was no general correlation to complaints.


CONCLUSIONS
In consequence of these results A1/A2-fractures in the upper thoracic spine (<Th10) with kyphosis >15 degrees will be stabilized anteriorly, in other regions functional treated. A3-fractures of thoracic spine and thoracolumbar junction will be operated from anterior, in lower lumbar spine (>L3) from dorsal. B- and C-injuries should be instrumented with a combined dorsoventral procedure.
Katscher
S
S
Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universität Leipzig. sebastiankatscher@freenet.de
Verheyden
P
P
Gonschorek
O
O
Glasmacher
S
S
Josten
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000209:etiology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D013997:Time Factors