Analysis of Conservative Management of Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Fractures

Cho, Duck Yun; Kim, Eung Ha; Kim, Jong Woo

Abstract

In recent years, the rate of the thracolumbar and lumbar fractures rends to be increasing as the traffic accidents and industrial accidents frequently occurs. The purpose of this study is to review the results of conservative treatment for 73 patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures and to review the failed 6 cases after conservative treatment, who were admitted and treated at National Medical Center during the period the period from January 1986 to June 1992. The following results were obtained: 1. Among the 65 cases of compression fracture, we performed hyperextension body cast in patient with height loss more than 30% and bed rest & brace in patient with height loss less than 30%, And in 63 cases, it showed good results. But two cases treated by bed & brace showed complaint such as radicular pain and persisdent back pain. 2. Among the 6 cases of burst fracture without neurological involvement, two cases treated by casting showed good result, but four cases treated by bed rest & brace showed complaint such as claudication and persistent back pain. 3. All cases of Chance fracture treated by casting showed good result. 4. There was no correlation between loss of correction of kyphotic angle and overall result. 5. Among the cases of poor result, we operated four cases which included two cases of instability & two cases of spinal stenosis and their results were good.