HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Spivak, J. Articles by Cotler, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Spivak, J. Articles by Cotler, J.

Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: II. Principles of Management

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, New York; New York University School of Medicine, New York.

The care of patients with thoracolumbar spine trauma with or without neurologic deficits has evolved dramatically over the past 20 years with the emergence of tertiary-care spinal injury centers and the development of more effective spinal instrumentation and anesthesia techniques. Despite these advances, the majority of patients with thoracolumbar injuries are still treated nonoperatively with cast or brace immobilization and early ambulation. More aggressive treatment is guided by the use of classification systems that detail the mechanism of injury, the degree of compromise of spinal structures, and the potential for late mechanical instability or neural injury. The goal of treatment remains attainment of spinal stability with protection or improvement of the patient's neurologic status, allowing rapid and maximal functional recovery.