Fracturas estallido de columna toracolumbarEvaluación clinicoradiológica y terapéutica de 90 casos

  1. Mesa Ramos, Francisco
  2. Hernández Cortés, Pedro
  3. López Moratalla, G.
  4. Mateos Pérez, M. Dolores
  5. Mesa Ramos, M.
Journal:
Revista española de cirugía osteoarticular

ISSN: 0304-5056

Year of publication: 1999

Volume: 34

Issue: 199

Pages: 157-161

Type: Article

More publications in: Revista española de cirugía osteoarticular

Abstract

Ninety burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine were retrospectively assessed with a minum follow-up of 12 months. Conservative treatment was indicated in 43 cases, and reduction and surgical stabilization in 47. The aim was to compare the two treatment modalities according to fracture stability. Clinical and radiological evaluation included chronic pain and kyphotic angle progression. No statistical differences were found between stable and unstable fractures as to chronic pain. The kyphotic angle average progression for stable burst fractures was 4.7º and 5.2º for unstable fractures conservatively treated. There was a high rate of complications related to instrumentation (21%) particularly when the fracture was at the thoracolumbar junction and a single level was fixed. The orthopaedic treatment is an acceptable alternative treatment for stable burst fractures without neurological injury.