Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
State of play: clearing the thoracolumbar spine in blunt trauma victims
Marten C Howes1, Andrew P Pearce
1Bunbury Regional Hospital, Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia.
Introduction:
The present article reviews the clinical and imaging clearance of the thoracic and lumbar spines of blunt trauma victims and the evolution of these strategies with the use of new imaging technologies.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was performed, and articles identified were critically appraised
Results:
Twenty papers were identified, 12 directly comparing computed tomography screening with plain X-rays. Evidence-based protocols are presented. The evolution of imaging strategies in response to new technology is described.
Conclusions:
Thoracolumbar spine screening is best done using reformatted images acquired when scanning the chest and abdomen of high-risk multi-trauma patients. If computed tomography is not clinically indicated for investigation of other injuries then plain films are the first line investigation.
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
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...

