Relationship between spinal alignment and functional disability after thoracolumbar spinal fractures: A systematic...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Thoracolumbar spinal fractures (TLSF) can lead to significant pain, neurological deficits, and functional disability.
• Current operative treatments aim to restore spinal alignment, stability, and improve patient function.
• Understanding the link between spinal alignment and functional outcomes is crucial for effective TLSF management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on the correlation between spinal alignment and functional outcomes in patients with TLSF.
• To evaluate various radiological measurements of spinal alignment and their association with functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
• AI software (Rayyan) assisted in screening 1,616 identified articles, with 6 included for analysis.
• Functional outcomes (activity, quality of life, pain) and radiological parameters (Cobb angle, sagittal vertical axis, etc.) were assessed.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation between radiological spinal alignment measurements at injury and final functional outcomes was not established.
• Only one study focused on spinopelvic parameters; others examined Cobb and vertebral compression angles.
• Diverse outcome measures included work status, pain scores, and validated disability indices.

Conclusions:

• This review did not find a significant correlation between assessed spinal radiological measurements and functional outcomes in TLSF.
• Further high-quality prospective studies are required to clarify the relationship between spinal alignment and functional recovery in TLSF patients.