Classification of thoracolumbar fractures and posterior instrumentation for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

In treating thoracolumbar injuries, an accurate diagnosis of the structural injury to the spine is critical. I recommend the Allen classification, but all classifications assist in obtaining an accurate understanding of the spine dynamics resulting from the injury. It is essential to remember that the majority of thoracolumbar injuries result from high-energy trauma. It is incumbent upon the spinal surgeon to ensure that multisystem trauma and life-threatening injuries, with the exception of a deteriorating neurologic injury, are cared for before embarking on spinal surgery. Even treatment of these injuries may have to be delayed if cardiovascular or abdominal hemorrhagic injuries take precedence. A critically important piece of information is the neurologic diagnosis. I recommend the ASIA Motor Index as the gold standard for diagnosing injuries and prognosticating outcome. Accurate neurologic diagnosis must be obtained prior to surgery. Finally, I recommend a firm understanding and a good working relationship with the device system used for fixation. Other instructional course authors agree that whether the anterior or the posterior approach is used, familiarity with the device nuances, by not only the surgeon but also the operating team, is very helpful in achieving a successful uncomplicated implantation. If all of the above recommendations are followed, successful outcome and optimal patient recovery can be anticipated in most cases.