[Rehabilitation after Traumatic Fracture of Thoracic and Lumbar Spine]

On the basis of the S2-k guideline "Rehabilitation after traumatic fractures of the thoracic und lumbar spine without neurologic disorder", this article gives an overview of target-oriented rehabilitation of patients with minor fractures or those with column stability and unstable spinal fractures which are stabilised by surgery. To obtain early social and job related reintegration, outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation has to start immediately after treatment in hospital. Rehabilitation must be orientated towards the biopsychosocial model of ICF and has to be adapted for the patient. The overall goal of rehabilitation is functional restoration of patient health to enable participation in society, life and job. Individual goals may change during rehabilitation, because of differential progress in therapy. Pain management must be orientated towards individual requirements and mental health has to be tested early, especially in polytrauma patients. Disorders have to be treated by psychotherapy, because psychic stress supports chronification of pain. Generally early exercise and physiotherapy are recommended in the guideline, with patient education for health-seeking behavior. Otherwise an orthesis device is not really necessary for treatment of a stable fracture. To improve the outcome of rehabilitation aftercare, treatment has to be arranged during rehabilitation, especially for employed patients.