[Sintering behavior of vertebral body fractures during treatment with the 3-point brace]

The following conclusions were drawn from a follow-up study of 62 patients who had been treated with the three-point brace for vertebral fracture: It was found that the only statistically significant factor influencing an increased "sintering" is the additional involvement of the posterior wall of the vertebral body. Final results are not significantly influenced by preexisting osteoporosis, amount of primary deformation, accompanying lateral compression, age and sex, period of wear of the three-point brace, and follow-up examination interval. We can conclude from the results that "sintering" of the vertebral bodies after fracture is mostly completed already 6 weeks after the accident. No reduction of vertebral fractures was observed. The remaining deformation of the vertebral body must, therefore, be considered in connection with the patient's age in all cases of early functional or repositioning or immobilising treatment.