Evaluation of Functional and Radiographic Outcomes of Thoracolumbar Fractures

Background: Thoracolumbar fractures are the most common fractures of the spinal column. There is no consensus about treatment method of choice among authors. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic and functional outcomes of conservative management with that of surgical treatment in thoracolumbar spine fractures. Patients and Methods: Forty-nine patients with single level acute thoracolumbar fractures and normal neurological examination were evaluated, of those 21 patients underwent surgery and 28 treated with orthosis. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by measuring sagittal kyphotic angle, anterior vertebral body collapse and functional outcomes were assessed using SF36 health survey questionnaire and the Denis work and pain scales. Results: Among the surgically treated patients, sagittal kyphotic angle was significantly corrected immediately after operation and in the last follow-up compared to preoperative measurements (P < 0.001), functional results of SF36 score and pain scale were satisfactory. Among those received conservative management, sagittal kyphotic angle and anterior vertebral collapse were not significantly different before and after bracing (P = 0.4 and P = 0.8, respectively); functional outcome of SF36 scores were satisfactory and functional and radiographic results had no correlation. Conclusions: Functional outcome in both groups with surgical and non-surgical treatment was satisfactory. Radiographic indices were improved with surgical treatment and no correlation was found between functional and radiographic outcome.