Introduction Description thoracolumbar burst fractures are a common traumatic vertebral fracture that primary involves a compression force through the anterior and middle column of the vertebrae leading to retropulsion of bone into the spinal canal treatment is bracing or surgery depending on whether the patient has neurologic deficits and whether the facture is unstable with a risk of drifting into kyphosis. Mechanism axial loading with flexion at thoracolumbar junction there is fulcrum of increased motion that makes spine more vulnerable to traumatic injury Neurologic deficits canal compromise often caused by retropulsion of bone maximum canal occlusion and neural compression at moment of impact retropulsed fragments resorb over time and usually do not cause progressive neurologic deterioration Associated injuries concomitant spine fractures in 20% lamina fracture is associated with dural tear and entrapped nerve roots Anatomy Denis three column system clinical relevance only moderately reliable in determining clinical degree of stability definitions anterior column anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) anterior 2/3 of vertebral body and annulus middle column posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) posterior 1/3 of vertebral body and annulus posterior column pedicles lamina facets ligamentum flavum spinous process posterior ligament complex (PLC) instability defined by injury to middle column as evidenced by widening of interpedicular distance on AP radiograph loss of height of posterior cortex of vertebral body disruption of posterior ligament complex combined with anterior and middle column involvement Posterior Ligamentous Complex considered to be a critical predictor of spinal fracture stability consists of supraspinous ligament interspinous ligament ligamentum flavum facet capsule evaluation determining the integrity of the PLC can be challenging conditions where PLC is clearly ruptured bony chance fracture widening of interspinous distance progressive kyphosis with nonoperative treatment facet diastasis conditions where integrity of PLC is indeterminant MRI shows signal intensity between spinous process Classification Dennis classification Type A fracture of both end-plates. The bone is retropulsed into the canal. Type B fracture of the superior end-plate. It is common and occurs due to a combination of axial load with flexion. Type C fracture of the inferior end-plate. Type D Burst rotation. This fracture could be misdiagnosed as a fracture-dislocation. The mechanism of this injury is a combination of axial load and rotation. Type E Burst lateral flexion. This type of fracture differs from the lateral compression fracture in that it presents an increase of the interpediculate distance on anteroposterior roentgenogram Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score injury characteristic qualifier points injury morphology compression (1 point) burst (+1 point) rotation/translation (+3 point) distraction (+4 point) neurologic status intact (+0 point) nerve root (+2 point) incomplete Spinal cord or conus medullaris injury (+3 point) complete Spinal cord or conus medullaris injury (+2 point) cauda equina syndrome (+3 point) posterior ligamentous complex integrity intact (+0 point) no interspinous ligament widening seen with flexion views. MRI shows no edema in interspinous ligament region suspected/indeterminate (+2 point) MRI shows some signal in region of interspinous ligaments disrupted (+3 point) widening of interspinous distance seen TLICS treatment implications score < 4 points Nonsurgical management score = 4 points Nonsurgical or surgical managment score > 4 points surgical management indicated Imaging Radiographs recommended views obtain radiographs of entire spine (concomitant spine fractures in 20%) AP shows widening of pedicles coronal deformity lateral shows retropulsion of bone into canal kyphotic deformity CT scan indications fracture on plain film neurologic deficit in lower extremity inadequate plain films MRI useful to evaluate for spinal cord or thecal sac compression by disk or osseous material cord edema or hemorrhage injury posterior ligament complex signal intensity in PLC is concerning for instability and may warrant surgical intervention Treatment Nonoperative ambulation as tolerated with or without a thoracolumbosacral orthosis indications patients that are neurologically intact and mechanically stable posterior ligament complex preserved kyphosis < 30° (controversial) vertebral body has lost < 50% of body height (controversial) TLICS score = 3 or lower thoracolumbar orthosis recent evidence shows no clear advantage of TLSO on outcomes if it provides symptomatic relief, may be beneficial for patient outcomes retropulsed fragments resorb over time and usually do not cause neurologic deterioration Operative surgical decompression & spinal stabilization indications neurologic deficits with radiographic evidence of cord/thecal sac compression both complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries require decompression and stabilization to facilitate rehabilitation unstable fracture pattern as defined by injury to the Posterior Ligament Complex (PLC) progressive kyphosis lamina fractures (controversial) TLICS score = 5 or higher Techniques Posterior Spinal Fusion Alone (no decompression) indications progression kyphosis or clear injury to posterior ligament complex, but with no significant neurologic compression Anterior decompression and stabilization (with or without posterior stabilization) indications indicated when neurologic deficits caused by anterior compression (bony retropulsion) scientific data has not shown a benefit to early decompression and stabilization technique usually includes corpectomy and strut grafting followed by anterior +/- posterior instrumentation advantage is that you do not need to do a laminectomy which will further destabilize the spine by compromising the posterior supporting structures Posterior Decompression and Fusion indications unstable fracture pattern with no need for neurologic decompression complete neurologic injury (allows earlier rehab) neural decompression direct decompression retropulsed bone can be removed via transpedicular approach indirect decompression via ligamentotaxis may occur by restoring height and sagittal alignment with posterior instrumentation arthrodesis fusion should be performed with instrumentation instrumentation should be under distraction to restore vertebral body height and achieve indirect decompression historically it was recommended to instrument three levels above and two levels below modern pedicle screws have changes this to one level above and one level below avoid laminectomy if possible as it will further destabilize the spine by compromising the posterior supporting structures Posterior Corpectomy , Ventral Decompression, Cage and Instumented 360 Degree Fusion indications indicated when neurologic deficits caused by anterior compression (bony retropulsion) scientific data has not shown a benefit to early decompression and stabilization technique unilateral pedicle resection required faciliated with new expandable cages complications dural tear radiculopathy/deficits due to nerve root injury Complications Entrapped nerve roots and dural tear from associated lamina fractures Pain most common Progressive kyphosis common with unrecognized injury to PLL Flat back leads to pain, a forward flexed posture, and easy fatigue post-traumatic syringomyelia
Technique Guide CPT Codes: 34830, Open repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysm or dissection, plus repair of associated arterial trauma, following unsuccessful endovascular repair; tube prosthesis 22558, Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar 23615, Open treatment of proximal humeral (surgical or anatomical neck) fracture, includes internal fixation, when performed, includes repair of tuberosity(s), when performed; 31561 Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with arytenoidectomy; with operating microscope or telescope Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. L3 Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion Derek Moore Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures
QUESTIONS 1 of 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Previous Next Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (SBQ12SP.95) A 42-year-old carpenter sustains a 10 foot fall from a ladder and sustains a fracture at L1. On imaging there is fracture extension into the posterior vertebral body and a widened interpedicular distance. Magnetic resonance imaging shows the posterior ligamentous complex is intact. Which of the following statements is true regarding this injury pattern? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 3793 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Canal compromise greater than 50% warrants decompression and fusion 27% (554/2066) 2 A nerve root deficit is an absolute indication to proceed with surgery 25% (519/2066) 3 Patients with adequate pain control can begin early ambulation without bracing 37% (758/2066) 4 Fusion must involve 3 levels above and below the injured level 4% (76/2066) 5 Stabilization with percutaneous screws without fusion is contraindicated. 6% (133/2066) L 5 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 3 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ10.47) In patients with a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture and no neurologic deficits, operative treatment has what long term outcome when compared to nonoperative management. Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 3135 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Improved sagittal balance 14% (555/4057) 2 Decreased pain scores 5% (192/4057) 3 Improved return to work status 5% (223/4057) 4 Improved function 2% (66/4057) 5 Increased disability and complications 74% (3002/4057) L 2 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ09.98) You are seeing a 68-year-old female who fell out of her second story apartment window. She complains of severe low back pain and right buttock pain. Her neurologic exam shows she is an ASIA E. Imaging shows a L3 burst fracture with 10 degrees of kyphosis, 30% loss of vertebral body height, and retropulsion of bone with 20% occlusion of the spinal canal. There is no evidence of edema in posterior ligament complex on MRI. What is the most appropriate treatment? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 2911 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Spinal traction with bedrest for a minimum of 6 weeks 1% (37/3050) 2 Spinal orthosis and early mobilization as tolerated 89% (2721/3050) 3 Laminectomy and lateral recess decompression 1% (34/3050) 4 Laminectomy and 4 level posterior instrumented fusion 5% (145/3050) 5 Anterior corpectomy with decompression and staged 4 level posterior instrumented fusion 3% (101/3050) L 1 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 2 Review tested concept Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ08.112) In a neurologically intact patient with the injury pattern shown in Figure A, B and C, what is the advantage of surgical treatment compared to early mobilization in a thoracolumbosacral orthosis? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 498 FIGURES: A B C Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Decreased kyphosis over time 11% (391/3661) 2 Decreased residual back pain 3% (107/3661) 3 Lower cost of hospitalization 1% (27/3661) 4 Earlier return to work 6% (202/3661) 5 No advantage - equivalent clinical outcomes 80% (2920/3661) L 2 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept (OBQ06.93) A 32-year-old male sustained an L4 burst fracture in a car accident five days ago. On initial presentation he was neurologically intact and treated in a thoracolumbar orthosis. In the last two days he has noticed increasing difficulty voiding, decreased perianal sensation, and weakness to ankle plantar flexion. Radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are shown in Figures A through D. What is the most appropriate next step in treatment? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 204 FIGURES: A B C D Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Electromyography 0% (14/3962) 2 Spinal dose corticosteroids with inpatient observation 1% (33/3962) 3 A decompressive lumbar laminectomy without fusion 14% (552/3962) 4 Percutaneous posterior instrumented stabilization from L2 to L5 with indirect decompression via distraction ligamentotaxis 11% (441/3962) 5 Anterior decompresssion with strut grafting followed by posterior instrumentation 73% (2901/3962) L 2 Question Complexity D Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 5 Review tested concept (OBQ04.41) A 32-year-old man presents to the emergency department after sustaining a L1 burst fracture in a fall. A careful neurologic exam shows he is an ASIA E. MRI shows mild vertebral retropulsion with 10% central canal stenosis and no evidence of injury to the posterior ligament complex. Which of the following is true regarding surgical decompression and fixation when compared to nonoperative treatment with bracing? Review Topic | Tested Concept QID: 102 Type & Select Correct Answer 1 Patients treated with surgery return to work earlier. 2% (78/3709) 2 Patients treated with surgery have decreased pain scores. 1% (31/3709) 3 Patients treated with surgery have increased complication rates. 80% (2949/3709) 4 Patients treated with surgery have improved final SF-36 scores. 1% (37/3709) 5 All of the above 16% (600/3709) L 2 Question Complexity A Question Importance Select Answer to see Preferred Response SUBMIT RESPONSE 3 Review tested concept
All Videos (5) Podcasts (1) 2018 Orthopaedic Summit Evolving Techniques OSET 2018: Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: I Operate and Here is Why - Vinko Zlomislic, MD (OSET 2018) Vinko Zlomislic Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures 11/11/2019 736 views (2) 2018 Orthopaedic Summit Evolving Techniques Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures: Slow Down! They Can Heal Without Hardware and no Progressive Weakness - Colin B. Harris, MD (OSET 2018) Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures 11/11/2019 723 views (2) Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos California Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting - 2017 Evolution of Care for the Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Kirkham Wood, M.D. (COA 2017, 4.3) Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures 4/12/2018 740 views (3) Spine | Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Team Orthobullets (J) Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Listen Now 10:46 min 10/16/2019 241 plays (8) See More See Less
2019 Orthopaedic Summit Evolving Techniques Persistent back pain, urinary retention 18 months after L2 fracture (C101350) Derek Moore Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures E 1/2/2020 5263 26 11 L1 Burst fracture in neurologically intact 27M (C101327) Sid Kothari Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures E 11/17/2019 783 19 5 Polytrauma with L1 and L3 Burst Fx, Canal stenosis at L3, progressive weakness. (C2573) Spine - Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures E 4/23/2016 7001 44 14 See More See Less