[Traumatology of the spine]

Spinal trauma poses considerable threats to survival and quality of life. Especially cervical spine injuries are often associated with neurologic deficits. A thorough diagnostic pathway, often including computed tomography with sagittal reconstruction, is mandatory to evaluate the extent and consequences of spinal trauma. Every treatment must aim to restore stability and prevent secondary neurologic deterioration. Compression fractures usually can be treated successfully with conservative treatment, while burst fractures usually, and flexion/distraction injuries, and fracture-dislocation generally require internal stabilization. Injuries of the upper cervical spine can be treated conservatively or operatively, depending on the degree of instability. In the lower cervical spine, most injuries require internal fixation.