Unstable thoracolumbar injuries

The treatment of thoracolumbar fractures was traditionally conservative. With increasing demands for early mobilization, operative reduction and stabilization has become more popular, even in less severe injuries. The Harrington instrumentation is still useful and efficient. However, in fractures with posterior element ruptures, the internal fixator is superior in stabilizing the fracture. Early mobilization in a body cast is an equivalent treatment to surgery in less severe burst fractures if the neurology is intact. A treatment program for different fractures is presented.