Preoperative manual on-table-traction for the reduction of thoracolumbar burst fractures: A technical note

Thoracolumbar burst fractures can frequently be treated either conservatively or surgically. Surgery is generally preferred when safe early mobilization with a reconstructed sagittal alignment is wanted without any external restraint. Various dedicated instruments are available on the market to perform reduction and distraction maneuvers on the spine intraoperatively to restore normal sagittal alignment after a fracture. The authors describe a simple but effective technique of proper patient positioning and preoperative on-table-traction that can effectively aid in the restoration of alignment and performance of surgery even with the most basic instrumentation.