Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Implementation of a thoracolumbar compression fracture remote review protocol safely reduces in-person spine
Jiabao Nie1, Joseph Di Gerolamo1, Nicholas Truong1
1University of California, Irvine, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care, 101 The City Drive S, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
Background:
Thoracolumbar compression fractures (TLCF) are often managed non-operatively with Thoracic-Lumbar-Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) bracing. This study evaluated the safety of a novel remote review protocol for non-operative TLCF management.
Methods:
A single-center retrospective analysis was performed on adult trauma patients with acute TLCF. The PRE cohort (5/2022-4/2023) received formal bedside consultation, while the POST cohort (6/2023-6/2024) underwent remote review by an on-call spine surgery resident. The primary outcome was the incidence of TLCF-related complications.
Results:
Of 120 patients, 79 (65.8%) were in the POST cohort. Demographics, injury mechanisms, vitals, and injury severity score were comparable between cohorts (all p > 0.05). Median time to discharge (PRE 28 h vs. POST 26 h, p = 0.61) was similar. No patients developed TLCF-related complications including neurological deficits or TLSO brace-related complications in either group.
Conclusions:
Implementation of a remote review protocol for low-risk acute TLCF appears safe with similar outcomes and time to discharge compared to traditional bedside consultation.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III.
