Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
The incidence and distribution of burst fractures
Frank V Bensch1, Mika P Koivikko, Martti J Kiuru
1Department of Radiology, Töölö Trauma Center, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess occurrence and distribution of burst fractures as well as common accident mechanisms and the associated neurologic deficit. Using picture archiving and communications system, all emergency multidetector computed tomography studies over 34 months were retrieved and evaluated for burst fractures by two radiologists by consensus. Initial neurological findings were retrieved from patients' medical records. One hundred fifty-two patients (112 male) with a total of 169 burst fractures were found. In both genders, the incidence of burst fractures peaked at the thoracolumbar junction and between levels T5 and T8. In 10% of cases, more than one burst fracture was seen, thereof 53% on noncontiguous levels. Main accident mechanisms were falls, traffic, and sports. Neurological deficit was highest in patients with burst fractures of the cervical spine, independent of accident mechanism, and lowest in thoracolumbar junction fractures. Burst fractures occur frequently in high energy traumas and are most commonly associated with falling and traffic accidents. Multiple burst fractures occur in 10% of cases, half thereof on noncontiguous levels.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Stress-Strain Diagram - Brittle Materials
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Behavior of Concrete Under Compressive Load
As the concrete specimen fractures under...
Fatigue
Stress Concentrations
