title: Thoracolumbar spine trauma: Evaluation and surgical decision-making.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thoracolumbar spine trauma is the most common site of spinal cord injury, with clinical and epidemiological importance.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a comprehensive literature review on the management and treatment of TLST.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Currently, computed tomography is frequently used as the primary diagnostic test in TLST, with magnetic resonance imaging used in addition to assess disc, ligamentous, and neurological injury. The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System is a new injury severity score created to help the decision-making process between conservative versus surgical treatment. When decision for surgery is made, early procedures are feasible, safe, can improve outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. Surgical treatment is individualized based on the injury characteristics and surgeon's experience, as there is no evidence-based for the superiority of one technique over the other.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The correct management of TLST involves multiple steps, such as a precise diagnosis, classification, and treatment. The TLICS can improve care and communication between spine surgeons, resulting in a more standardized treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andrei F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Joaquim
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Alpesh A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Patel
keywords: Classification; diagnosis; spinal cord injury; thoracolumbar spine trauma; treatment