| Sumario: | The following article from Topics in Emergency Medicine offers a thorough review of thoracolumbar trauma and medical treatment considerations. The thoracolumbar junction has unique anatomical and biomechanical features that make it susceptible to certain types of fractures and neurological injuries. Specific bony, neural, and soft tissue disruptions occur depending on the mechanism of injury. Fracture-dislocations and seat belt injuries are associated with characteristic physical signs that can be identified on physical exam. Injuries can be grouped into categories based on a concept of the spine having three columns. This classification helps the clinician to determine the relative stability of each injury and to choose effective treatment options. Unstable injuries can be stabilized, allowing the patient a more rapid return to function. In addition, later deformity, pain, and neurological injury can be prevented. Copyright (c) 1999 by Aspen Publishers, Inc.
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