Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Management: Randomized Trial

The Thoracolumbar AOSpine Injury Score: Clinical And Radiological Outcomes Of Management Of Fractures Having Scores Of 4 And 5: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Between December 2019 to December 2022, patients presenting to causalty department with TL fracture type A3 and A4 with a TL AOSIS scores of 4 and 5 were randomly managed either by conservative or operative management.

Conservative management group was treated by bed rest and brace for 3 weeks followed by early mobilization. Operative management group received management through Short-segment fixation with one or two screws in fractured vertebra when applicable with posterior spinal fusion. Patients were evaluated both clinically regarding pain (VAS score), disability by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI score) and neurological status. Radiological evaluation included local sagittal spinal alignment, including pre- and post- management Cobb angle and local segment kyphosis. Bony fusion was also evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Skeletally mature patients (age 21-55 years old), TL spine fractures of types A3 and A4 with TL AOSIS score 4 or 5. These include different variables; A4N0, A3N1, A3N2 and A3M1N0.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Osteoporotic fractures and skeletally immature patients, associated comorbidities (e.g. bleeding disorders, rheumatoid arthritis), or any fracture type other than A3 and A4, and significant neurological compromise.