title: Management of burst fractures in the thoracolumbar spine.
abstract: The most common fractures in the spine take place in the thoracolumbar region. Currently there is no consensus regarding optimum treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Analyze the current medical literature available regarding treatment of compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research of current literature in medical databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regarding current available literature, we found no consensus in the treatment of compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction is a very common condition, treatment of each patient must be individualized. Conservative treatment is recommended for stable fractures without neurological compromise and less than 35° of kyphosis.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgeon, Centro Medico Nacional de Occidente, Guadalajara, Mexico.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cahueque
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Surgeon, Centro Medico Nacional de Occidente, Guadalajara, Mexico.
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cobar
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgeon, Centro Medico Nacional de Occidente, Guadalajara, Mexico.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zuñiga
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, Orthopedics, Centro Medico Nacional de Occidente, Guadalajara, Mexico.
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Caldera
keywords: Burst fracture; Compression fracture; Conservative treatment; Neurological deficit; Surgical treatment; Thoracolumbar spine