Classification of thoracolumbar fractures: A Narrative review

Abstract

Thoracolumbar fractures constitute 75% of the cases of spine trauma. Thoracolumbar classification systems are important to diagnose, stage, determine the management of vertebral lesions, and predict the results of the different treatment options. This narrative review describes how the classification systems evolved over time with the unique features of each historically. Radiographs are the initial step of investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography help in delineating the injury better. This article narrates diagnosing instability and the role of each classification system in aiding to make a decision of a particular thoracolumbar fracture with merits and demerits of each.