Management of burst fractures in the thoracolumbar spine

Abstract The most common fractures in the spine take place in the thoracolumbar region. Currently there is no consensus regarding optimum treatment. Objective Analyze the current medical literature available regarding treatment of compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Methods Research of current literature in medical databases. Results Regarding current available literature, we found no consensus in the treatment of compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine. Conclusions Burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction is a very common condition, treatment of each patient must be individualized. Conservative treatment is recommended for stable fractures without neurological compromise and less than 35° of kyphosis.