Computerized tomography of injury to the thoracolumbar spine

We have reviewed the appearances of 35 patients with 51 fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine who were seen over the past 3 years; all received plain film radiography and computerized tomography (CT). The types and distribution of fractures are similar to those in series already reported. The severity of each fracture can be described using a three-column model for the functional anatomy of the spine. The liability to orthopaedic instability or late neurological damage can be accurately assessed by computerized tomography. CT demonstrates many fractures of parts of vertebrae not seen on plain films. We propose a classification which is clinically relevant and simple.