[Indications, choice of procedure and results of conservative therapy of spinal injuries].

For conservative treatment of injuries of the cervical spine, two different methods are available: The HALO fixator and the collar. The choice depends on the kind and extension of the injury. Stable thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures are treated in a conservative functional way in order to strengthen the muscular apparatus. Three-point-fixation with a brace is not necessary. Functional therapeutic methods can also be applied in the case of instable fractures if they are not operable. During a rigid confinement to bed, the postural reduction by increasing lordosis has turned out to be the treatment of choice. As an essential measure the patient has to take part in a "backschool" with postural exercises for the daily life.