FRACTURES OF THE DORSO-LUMBAR SPINE

Abstract

1 . A series of 166 fractures and fracture-dislocations of the dorso-lumbar spine has been reviewed. 2. A new method of classifying these injuries is suggested. 3. A type of fracture with lateral wedging, previously unidentified, which has certain distinctive clinical and anatomical features is described. 4. The factors responsible for redisplacement are discussed and it is considered that in most cases this is predictable from the outset. 5. At the present time orthodox treatment is based on the assumption that a perfect anatomical result is indispensable to a perfect functional result. Analysis of the results in the series now reported shows that there are no grounds for this assumption. 6. Treatment is discussed in the light of the foregoing conclusions. This is based on a division of cases into stable and unstable types, the recognition of which is of crucial importance.