Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures

Question 1

What is the cause

Answer 1

High-energy injury/trauma unless osterporosis/pathologic/steroid use

Question 2

What causes a stable thoracolumbar spine fracture

Answer 2

1. Compression fracture of anterior 1/2 vertebral body
2. Occasional burst fractures, compression fractures up to the posterior 1/3 of the vertebral body

Question 3

What causes an unstable thoracolumbar spine fracture

Answer 3

Flexion distraction injuries (wearing a seatbelt in a MVA)
*surgery

Question 4

What are the symptoms/PE

Answer 4

Back pain
Possible numbness and tingling
Swelling

Question 5

What is the treatment

Answer 5

Thoracolumbar corset
Thoracolumbar orthosis (TLSO)
*for simple compression fx
Steroids