What Factors Influence Surgeons in Decision-Making in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures? A Survey-Based Investigation of a Panel of Spine Surgery Experts.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors affecting decision-making in thoracolumbar burst-fractures without neurologic deficit.

METHODS

A 40-question survey addressing expert-related, economic, and radiological factors was distributed to 30 international trauma experts. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the impact of these factors on operative or non-operative management preferences.

RESULTS

Out of 30 experts, 27 completed the survey. The majority of respondents worked at level 1 trauma centers (81.5%) within university settings (77.8%). They were primarily orthopedic surgeons (66.7%) and had over 10 years of experience (70.4%). About 81% found distinguishing between A3 and A4 fractures relevant for decision-making. Most experts (59%) treated A3 fractures non-surgically, while only 30% treated A4 fractures conservatively. Compensation systems did not influence treatment recommendations, and hospital measures promoting surgeries did not significantly affect distribution. Radiological factors, such as local kyphosis (25/27), fracture comminution (23/27), overall sagittal balance (21/27), and spinal canal narrowing (20/27), influenced decisions.

CONCLUSION

Incomplete burst fractures (A3) are predominantly treated non-surgically, while complete burst fractures (A4) are primarily treated surgically. Compensation, third-party incentives, and outpatient care did not significantly impact decision-making. Radiological factors beyond the AO Spine thoracolumbar classification system seem to be essential and warrant further evaluation.