title: Minimally incisional stabilization of unstable L5 burst fracture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Burst fractures of the L5 vertebral body are uncommon. Treatment options described include prolonged immobilization and surgical stabilization, most commonly with an instrumented fusion from L4 to the sacrum.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the use of a minimally incisional technique to provide temporary internal fixation in a patient with an L5 burst fracture who was not a candidate for prolonged immobilization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This technique resulted in an excellent outcome without the requirement for a fusion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minimally incisional fixation procedures are a treatment option for select patients with L5 burst fractures.
authors.affiliation: Spinal Surgery Program, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison WI 53792-0001, USA.
authors.forename: Soner
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: Daniel K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Resnick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*