Nonoperative Treatment in Severe Burst Fractures of Lumbar Spine

A retrospective review of six patients treated nonoperatively for severe burst fractures of the lumbar spines with mild neurological deficits was performed. In five patients considered to have good functional outcome; kyphotic deformity averaged 10 at injury (-14 to 21) and 3.6 at follow-up (-6-15), and spinal canal compromise averaged 54.4% at injury (46.9-62.0) and 34.1% at follow-up (22.2-42.4). One patient with laminar fracture had a mild back pain, requiring surgery. Nonoperative treatment should be considered an alternative in the treatment of severe burst fractures of the lumbar spine with mild neurological deficit and normal posterior column.