Management of thoracolumbar spine XXXX : An overview.

@entity3510 @entity174 @entity16 @entity1513 @entity51 @entity130
Thoracolumbar spine @entity174 are common injuries that can result in significant disability, @entity51 . Controversies exist regarding the appropriate radiological investigations, the indications for surgical management and the timing, approach and type of surgery. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, biomechanical principles, radiological and clinical evaluation, classification and management principles. Literature review of all relevant articles published in PubMed covering thoracolumbar spine @entity174 with or without @entity51 was performed. The search terms used were thoracolumbar, thoracic, lumbar, @entity174 , @entity130 and management. All relevant articles and abstracts covering thoracolumbar spine @entity174 with and without @entity51 were reviewed. Biomechanically the thoracolumbar spine is predisposed to a higher incidence of @entity3510 . Computed tomography provides adequate bony detail for assessing spinal stability while magnetic resonance imaging shows injuries to soft tissues (posterior ligamentous complex [PLC]) and @entity16 . Different classification systems exist and the most recent is the AO spine knowledge forum classification of thoracolumbar @entity130 . Treatment includes both nonoperative and operative methods and selected based on the degree of @entity130 , neurological involvement, presence of associated injuries and the integrity of the PLC. Significant advances in imaging have helped in the better understanding of thoracolumbar @entity174 , including information on canal morphology and injury to soft tissue structures. The ideal classification that is simple, comprehensive and guides management is still elusive. Involvement of three columns, progressive @entity51 , significant @entity1513 and canal compromise with @entity51 are accepted indications for surgical stabilization through anterior, posterior or combined approaches.
