The load-sharing classification of thoracolumbar fractures: an in vitro biomechanical validation.
METHODS
An in vitro biomechanical investigation.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between various load-sharing score and the acute flexibility of thoracolumbar fractures by measuring the 3-dimensional flexibility data.


BACKGROUND
The load-sharing classification is a way to describe the injury severity of a spinal fracture and can be very useful in determining successful candidates for the choice of operative approaches. However, this classification needs to be validated by biomechanical and more clinical studies before its widespread use. To date, no biomechanical study was available.


METHODS
Eighteen fresh bovine T12-L3 specimens were harvested and divided into 3 groups, and subjected to axial compressive impact with 63.8, 107.8, and 137.2 J energy, respectively. Radiograph films and computed tomography scans of the experimental spine were taken in neutral posture after trauma. Multidirectional flexibility of each specimen was measured under flexion-extension, right/left lateral bending, and right/left axial rotation before and after trauma. The association between the multidirectional instabilities and the vertebral injuries to each of load-sharing point score was analyzed.


RESULTS
The load-sharing score of a fracture increased with the level of impact energy. Significant positive correlations were found between the load-sharing score and the motion parameters (average R = 0.434, average P = 0.004). Fractures with mild comminution (< or =6 points) showed more stability as compared to those with more comminution (> or =7 points) (P < or = 0.016).


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that assessing the load-sharing score should be helpful in evaluating the acute instability of thoracolumbar fractures, and justifies the use of load-sharing classification in the thoracolumbar fractures.
Wang
Xiang-Yang
XY
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Dai
Li-Yang
LY
Xu
Hua-Zi
HZ
Chi
Yong-Long
YL
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000295:instrumentation; D002417:Cattle; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012399:Rotation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016474:Weight-Bearing