Abstract
Introduction
Thoracolumbar fractures are the most common fractures of the spinal column. There is no consensus about the preference of treatment method among the authors. The purpose of this study to compare the radiographic and functional outcomes of conservative management with that of surgical treatment in thoracolumbar spine fractures.
Material and Methods
Forty-nine patients with single level acute thoracolumbar fractures and without neurological complications were evaluated, of those 21 underwent surgery and 28 were treated with orthosis. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by measuring sagittal kyphotic angle and anterior vertebral body collapse; and functional outcomes were assessed using SF36 health survey questionnaire and Denis work and pain scales
Results
Among the surgically treated patients, sagittal kyphotic angle was significantly lower immediately after operation and in the last follow-up compared with preoperative measurements (p < 0.001), and the functional results of SF36 score and pain scale were satisfactory. Among those receiving 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.
Conclusion
This study showed that 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.