Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Classification of Thoracolumbar Injuries

Smith, Harvey E.; Anderson, D. Greg; Vaccaro, Alexander R.; Albert, Todd J.; Hilibrand, Alan S.; Harrop, James S.; Ratliff, John K.

doi:10.1053/j.semss.2009.10.001

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Volume 22, Issue 1 , Pages 2-7, March 2010

Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Classification of Thoracolumbar Injuries

Harvey E. Smith, MD
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University and the Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA
D. Greg Anderson, MD
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University and the Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA
- Address reprint requests to D. Greg Anderson, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University and the Rothman Institute, 925 Chestnut Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD
- Department of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Todd J. Albert, MD
- Department of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Alan S. Hilibrand, MD
- Department of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA
James S. Harrop, MD
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
John K. Ratliff, MD
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

The spinal thoracolumbar junction is uniquely predisposed to injury caused by forces transmitted through the region and the anatomy of transition from the thoracic to lumbar regions. Management of thoracolumbar injuries requires an understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of this region. Classification systems need to be reproducible and should assist with treatment decisions.

Keywords: spine, trauma, classification, thoracolumbar