Are "Unstable" Burst Fractures Really Unstable?

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Abstract

Conflict of interest statement: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported. 6. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 1997 Oct;8(4):499-507. Classification and acute management of thoracolumbar fractures. Vollmer DG(1), Gegg C. Author information: (1)Division of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78284-7843, USA. Successful management of traumatic injuries of the thoracolumbar spine requires understanding of the concepts of spinal stability and instability. There are numerous classifications of injury patterns based on fracture type and the probable forces involved. This article focuses on Denis's three-column theory of spinal stability and its utility in categorizing five injury patterns and the forces involved: specifically, wedge compression fractures, burst fractures, flexion distraction injuries, fracture dislocations, and miscellaneous injuries. The authors also highlight the acute management and evaluation of patients suspected to have these types of injuries.