[Early functional treatment of fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae with a 3-point brace].

We describe the concept of early functional treatment for patients with stable fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. Between 1983 and 1985, 102 patients treated in our department were mobilized after an average of 7 days in the three-point brace, which stabilizes the spine in the correct position. At the same time we begin with physiotherapy, which is continued after discharge from the clinic (after an average of 10 days). Our patients wear the brace for an average of 10 weeks. Moreover, 22 patients were mobilized early without a brace. On follow-up examination of 87 patients after an average of 2 1/2 years we found good or very good results more than 85% of patients in both groups. A little loss of reduction was seen despite the three-point brace, but the "sintering" was a little less pronounced than in patients mobilized early without a brace. Moreover, the brace prevents dangerous movements, so that the patients feel more secure.