title: Principles of management of thoracolumbar fractures.
abstract: There is little consensus on treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, which are one of the most controversial areas in spine surgery. The great variations in clinical decision making may come from differences in evaluation of spine stability with these fractures. Few high-quality studies concerning optimal treatment of thoracolumbar fractures have been conducted. This article reviews the conflicting results and recommendations for management of thoracolumbar fractures of currently published reports. Specifically, it addresses issues regarding evaluation of stability, indications for operative treatment, timing of surgery, surgical approach, and fusion length.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Chenxdma@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Li-yang
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Dai
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome