Abstract
Rational treatment planning entails systematically working through specific criteria
pertaining to diagnosis, classification, indication, and therapy of thoracolumbar
spinal injuries on the basis of experimental and clinical findings. All treatments
should, of course, aim to restore the shape of the spine and to remove potential instabilities
in advance. Surgery must enable early rehabilitation, particularly in the case of
complete paraplegia, in order to prevent potential complications associated with this
type of injury. The treatment indicated for stable fractures, where no further changes
to the shape of the spine are expected if functional treatment is applied, is conservative,
functional treatment. If surgical treatment is indicated, posterior stabilisation
with a transpedicular anchored internal fixation system, by means of which the patient
can be mobilised immediately, is preferred at present. The anterior column should
be reconstructed by using minimally-invasive procedures and load bearing implants.
Key words
Thoracolumbar fractures - treatment standards - planning
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Prof. Dr. C. Ulrich
Klinik am Eichert
P. O. Box 6 60
73006 Göppingen
Germany
Phone: +49/71 61-64 22 23
Fax: +49/71 61-64 18 12
Email: Christoph.Ulrich@kae.de
