[Treatment of fracture of the thoracolumbar spine using Böhler's method]

The treatment of stable thoracolumbar compressive fractures by the Böhler cast is worth while in cases of kyphosis with integrity of articular apophysis. The best reductions concern T12, L1 and L2. This method, studied on 92 patients, regularly succeeded in reducing and maintaining the kyphosis beneath 20 degrees, provided a complete reduction of the vertebral body and an early and intensive reeducation in the cast, and despite an early, constant but partial loss of reduction. The long term functional results appear to be satisfactory with such a residual deformation. This treatment seems to be particularly indicated in kyphosis of more than 20 degrees.