AO-classification of thoracic and lumbar fractures--reproducibility utilizing radiographs and clinical information

The choice of classification to determine the optimal tactics for treatment of the thoracolumbar junction traumatic injuries

OBJECTIVE

Aim: To evaluate the influence of the degree of detail of the nature of the pathomorphological changes in the osteoligamentous structures on the tactics of treating the patients with the traumatic damage to the thoracolumbar junction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the treatment tactics was carried out in 96 patients with a traumatic injury of the thoracolumbar junction, both those who underwent a surgical treatment and those who underwent a conservative therapy. The lesions were classified using F. Magerl and AOSpine classifications; the neurological status was assessed according to the ASIA scale, the nature of the damage was specified using the McCormack criteria. The statistical data processing was performed using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm.

RESULTS

Results: The nature of the injury makes it possible to unambiguously determine the optimal method of therapy when using the F. Magerl classification with a probability of 58.33%, while in relation to the AOSpine classification this figure is 55.21%. When building the models that include the nature of the damage, the level of the neurological disorders and the McCormack criteria, it was found that the use of the F. Magerl classification demonstrates an error in unambiguously determining the most effective treatment method at the level of 26.04%, while the use of AOSpine this figure was 21.88%.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: The application of the AOSpine classification is more promising for the development of a multifactorial algorithm for the treatment of the traumatic injuries of the thoracolumbar junction.

Reliability and Clinical Usefulness of Current Classifications in Traumatic Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

A validated classification remains the key to an appropriate treatment algorithm of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures. Considering the development of many classifications, it is remarkable that consensus about treatment is still lacking. We conducted a systematic review to investigate which classification can be used best for treatment decision making in thoracolumbar fractures.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane using the following search terms: classification (mesh), spinal fractures (mesh), and corresponding synonyms. All hits were viewed by 2 independent researchers. Papers were included if analyzing the reliability (kappa values) and clinical usefulness (specificity or sensitivity of an algorithm) of currently most used classifications (Magerl/AO, thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score [TLICS] or thoracolumbar injury severity score, and the new AO spine).

RESULTS

Twenty articles are included. The presented kappa values indicate moderate to substantial agreement for all 3 classifications. Regarding the clinical usefulness, > 90% agreement between actual treatment and classification recommendation is reported for most fractures. However, it appears that over 50% of the patients with a stable burst fracture (TLICS 2, AO-A3/A4) in daily practice are operated, so in these cases treatment decision is not primarily based on classification.

CONCLUSION

AO, TLICS, and new AO spine classifications have acceptable accuracy (kappa > 0.4), but are limited in clinical usefulness since the treatment recommendation is not always implemented in clinical practice. Differences in treatment decision making arise from several causes, such as surgeon and patient preferences and prognostic factors that are not included in classifications yet. The recently validated thoracolumbar AO spine injury score seems promising for use in clinical practice, because of inclusion of patient-specific modifiers. Future research should prove its definite value in treatment decision making.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Without the appropriate treatment, the impact of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures can be devastating. Therefore it is important to achieve consensus in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures.

One-Stage Posterior Only Corpectomy and Fusion in the Treatment of a Unique Acute Low Lumbar L4 Burst Fracture Without Neurologic Deficit: A Case Presentation

L4 and L5 fractures are different from those at the thoracolumbar area. These differences include anatomy, biomechanics, classification, and treatment possibilities. Given the accessible literature and lack of high-quality information about the management of low lumbar fractures, we describe the case of a young 26-year-old male was referred to our emergency medical center with a severe L4 vertebral body comminuted burst fracture with complete spinal canal compression (AO type 4). Incredible, all neurological functions were intact initially. The patient was cured through a one-stage posterior only vertebrectomy and fusion with preservation of all neurological functions. Clinical and radiologic follow-up was satisfactory after 2 years. In more severe lumbar injuries, decisions contain spinal decompression and stabilization through a posterior or anterior approach based on the surgeon's favorite. In our experience in this patient, a posterior approach only was used both for decompression and stabilization without routine challenging existing in anterior approaches.

Short-Segment Instrumentation with Fractured Vertebrae Augmentation by Screws and Bone Substitute for Thoracolumbar Unstable Burst Fractures

BACKGROUND

For thoracolumbar burst fractures, traditional four-screw (one above and one below) short-segment instrumentation is popular and has a high failure rate. Additional augmentation at the fractured vertebrae is believed to reduce surgical failure. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical and radiographic results of patients who underwent short-segment posterior instrumentation with augmentation by screws and bone substitutes at the fractured vertebrae and to compare these data to those of patients who underwent long-segment instrumentation for thoracolumbar burst fractures.

METHODS

The study group had twenty patients who underwent short-segment instrumentation with additional augmentation by two screws and bone substitutes at the fractured vertebrae. The control group contained twenty-two patients who underwent eight-screw long instrumentation without vertebra augmentation. Local kyphosis and the anterior body height of the fractured vertebrae were measured. The severity of the fractured vertebrae was evaluated with the load sharing classification (LSC). Any implant failure or loss of correction >10° at the final follow-up was defined as surgical failure.

RESULTS

Both groups had similar distributions in terms of age, sex, the injured level, and the mechanism of injury before operation. During the operation, the study group had significantly less blood loss (136.0 vs. 363.6 ml, p=0.001) and required shorter operating times (146.8 vs. 157.5 minutes, p=0.112) than the control group. Immediately after surgery, the study group had better correction of the local kyphosis angle (13.4° vs. 11.9°, p=0.212) and restoration of the anterior height (34.7% vs. 31.0%, p=0.326) than the control group. At the final follow-up, no patients in the study group and only one patient in the control group experienced surgical failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures who received six-screw short-segment posterior fixators with augmentation at the level of the fractured vertebrae via injectable artificial bone substitute achieved satisfactory clinical and radiographic results, and this method could replace long-segment instrumentation methods used in unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: Classification of Injury

QUESTION 1

Are there classification systems for fractures of the thoracolumbar spine that have been shown to be internally valid and reliable (ie, do these instruments provide consistent information between different care providers)?

RECOMMENDATION 1

A classification scheme that uses readily available clinical data (eg, computed tomography scans with or without magnetic resonance imaging) to convey injury morphology, such as Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Scale or the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Spine Injury Classification System, should be used to improve characterization of traumatic thoracolumbar injuries and communication among treating physicians. Strength of Recommendation: Grade B.

QUESTION 2

In treating patients with thoracolumbar fractures, does employing a formally tested classification system for treatment decision-making affect clinical outcomes?

RECOMMENDATION 2

There is insufficient evidence to recommend a universal classification system or severity score that will readily guide treatment of all injury types and thereby affect outcomes. Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient The full version of the guideline can be reviewed at: https://www.cns.org/guideline-chapters/congress-neurological-surgeons-systematic-review-evidence-based-guidelines/chapter_2.

Reliability of smartphone-based teleradiology for evaluating thoracolumbar spine fractures

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Timely interpretation of computed tomography (CT) scans is of paramount importance in diagnosing and managing spinal column fractures, which can be devastating. Out-of-hospital, on-call spine surgeons are often asked to evaluate CT scans of patients who have sustained trauma to the thoracolumbar spine to make diagnosis and to determine the appropriate course of urgent treatment. Capturing radiographic scans and video clips from computer screens and sending them as instant messages have become common means of communication between physicians, aiding in triaging and transfer decision-making in orthopedic and neurosurgical emergencies.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to compare the reliability of interpreting CT scans viewed by orthopedic surgeons in two ways for diagnosing, classifying, and treatment planning for thoracolumbar spine fractures: (1) captured as video clips from standard workstation-based picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and sent via a smartphone-based instant messaging application for viewing on a smartphone; and (2) viewed directly on a PACS.

STUDY DESIGN

Reliability and agreement study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Thirty adults with thoracolumbar spine fractures who had been consecutively admitted to the Division of Orthopedic Surgery of a Level I trauma center during 2014.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Intraobserver agreement.

METHODS

CT scans were captured by use of an iPhone 6 smartphone from a computer screen displaying PACS. Then by use of the WhatsApp instant messaging application, video clips of the scans were sent to the personal smartphones of five spine surgeons. These evaluators were asked to diagnose, classify, and determine the course of treatment for each case. Evaluation of the cases was repeated 4 weeks later, this time using the standard method of workstation-based PACS. Intraobserver agreement was interpreted based on the value of Cohen's kappa statistic. The study did not receive any outside funding.

RESULTS

Intraobserver agreement for determining fracture level was near perfect (κ=0.94). Intraobserver agreement for AO classification, proposed treatment, neural canal penetration, and Denis classification were substantial (κ values, 0.75, 0.73, 0.71, and 0.69, respectively). Intraobserver agreement for loss of vertebral height and kyphosis were moderate (κ values, 0.55 and 0.45, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Video clips of CT scans can be readily captured by a smartphone from a workstation-based PACS and then transmitted by use of the WhatsApp instant messaging application. Diagnosing, classifying, and proposing treatment of fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine can be made with equal reliability by evaluating video clips of CT scans transmitted to a smartphone or by the standard method of viewing the CT scan on a workstation-based PACS. Evaluating video clips of CT scans transmitted to a smartphone is a readily accessible, simple, and inexpensive method. We believe that it can be reliably used for consultations between the emergency physicians or orthopedic or neurosurgical residents with offsite, on-call specialists. It might also enable rural orcommunity emergency department physicians to communicate more efficiently and effectively with surgeons in tertiary referral centers.

THORACOLUMBAR SPINAL ARTHRODESIS - EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COSTS

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the epidemiology of patients with thoracolumbar spine fracture submitted to surgery at Hospital Cristo Redentor and the related costs. Methods: Prospective epidemiological study between July 2014 and August 2015 of patients with thoracolumbar spine fracture with indication of surgery. The variables analyzed were sex, age, cost of hospitalization, fractured levels, levels of arthrodesis, surgical site infection, UTI or BCP, spinal cord injury, etiology, length of stay, procedure time, and visual analog scale (VAS) . Results: Thirty-two patients were evaluated in the study period, with a mean age of 38.68 years. Male-female ratio was 4:1 and the most frequent causes were fall from height (46.87%) and traffic accidents (46.87%). The thoracolumbar transition was the most affected (40.62%), with L1 vertebra involved in 23.8% of the time. Neurological deficit was present in 40.62% of patients. Hospital stay had a median of 14 days and patients with neurological deficit were hospitalized for a longer period (p<0.001), with an increase in hospital costs (p= 0.015). The average cost of hospitalization was U$2,874.80. The presence of BCP increased the cost of hospitalization, and patients with spinal cord injury had more BCP (p= 0.014) . Conclusion: Public policies with an emphasis on reducing traffic accidents and falls can help reduce the incidence of these injuries and studies focusing on hospital costs and rehabilitation need to be conducted in Brazil to determinate the burden of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury.

Reliability assessment of AOSpine thoracolumbar spine injury classification system and Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) for thoracolumbar spine injuries: results of a multicentre study

PURPOSE

The aim of this multicentre study was to determine whether the recently introduced AOSpine Classification and Injury Severity System has better interrater and intrarater reliability than the already existing Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) for thoracolumbar spine injuries.

METHODS

Clinical and radiological data of 50 consecutive patients admitted at a single centre with a diagnosis of an acute traumatic thoracolumbar spine injury were distributed to eleven attending spine surgeons from six different institutions in the form of PowerPoint presentation, who classified them according to both classifications. After time span of 6 weeks, cases were randomly rearranged and sent again to same surgeons for re-classification. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability for each component of TLICS and new AOSpine classification were evaluated using Fleiss Kappa coefficient (k value) and Spearman rank order correlation.

RESULTS

Moderate interrater and intrarater reliability was seen for grading fracture type and integrity of posterior ligamentous complex (Fracture type: k = 0.43 ± 0.01 and 0.59 ± 0.16, respectively, PLC: k = 0.47 ± 0.01 and 0.55 ± 0.15, respectively), and fair to moderate reliability (k = 0.29 ± 0.01 interobserver and 0.44+/0.10 intraobserver, respectively) for total score according to TLICS. Moderate interrater (k = 0.59 ± 0.01) and substantial intrarater reliability (k = 0.68 ± 0.13) was seen for grading fracture type regardless of subtype according to AOSpine classification. Near perfect interrater and intrarater agreement was seen concerning neurological status for both the classification systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Recently proposed AOSpine classification has better reliability for identifying fracture morphology than the existing TLICS. Additional studies are clearly necessary concerning the application of these classification systems across multiple physicians at different level of training and trauma centers to evaluate not only their reliability and reproducibility, but also the other attributes, especially the clinical significance of a good classification system.

Principles of management of thoracolumbar fractures

There is little consensus on treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, which are one of the most controversial areas in spine surgery. The great variations in clinical decision making may come from differences in evaluation of spine stability with these fractures. Few high-quality studies concerning optimal treatment of thoracolumbar fractures have been conducted. This article reviews the conflicting results and recommendations for management of thoracolumbar fractures of currently published reports. Specifically, it addresses issues regarding evaluation of stability, indications for operative treatment, timing of surgery, surgical approach, and fusion length.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture augmentation by injectable partly resorbable ceramic bone substitute (Cerament™|SPINESUPPORT): a prospective nonrandomized study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate long-term stabilizing healing effectiveness and influence on adjacent intact vertebral bodies of a new injectable partly resorbable calcium sulfate (60 wt.%)/hydroxyapatite (40 wt.%) bone substitute employed in vertebral augmentation of osteoporotic collapses.

METHODS

From April 2009 to April 2011, 80 patients underwent vertebral augmentation. Patient enrolment criteria are as follows: age more than 20 years; symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture from low energy trauma encompassing level T5 to L1 and classified as A1.1 to A1.2 according to the AO classification system; vertebral height compression within 0-75% compared to the posterior (dorsal) wall; client history confirming the age of the compression fracture to be within at least 4 weeks; and patients who are able to understand the procedure and participate in the study. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies consisted of computed tomography, plain X-ray, dual X-ray absorptiometry scanning, and magnetic resonance. Pain intensity has been evaluated by an 11-point visual analog scale (VAS), and physical and quality of life compromise assessments have been evaluated by Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODI). All procedures have been performed fluoroscopically guided by left unilateral approach under local anesthesia and mild sedation.

RESULTS

VAS-based pain trend over 12-month follow-up has shown a statistical significant (p < 0.001) decrease, starting from 7.68 (SD 1.83) preoperatively with an immediate first day decrease at 3.51 (SD 2.16) and 0.96 (SD 0.93) at 12 months. The ODI score dropped significantly from 54.78% to 20.12% at 6 months. None device-related complication has been reported. In no case, a new incidental adjacent fracture has been reported.

CONCLUSION

Data show how this injectable partly resorbable ceramic cement could be a nontoxic and lower stiffness alternative to polymethylmethacrylate for immediate and long-term stabilization of osteoporotic collapsed vertebral bodies.

Reliability of the Spinal Deformity Study Group classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN

Reliability study of the computer-assisted SDSG (Spinal Deformity Study Group) classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of the computer-assisted SDSG classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The SDSG has proposed a new classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis based on slip grade, pelvic incidence (PI), and sacro-pelvic and spinal balance. Three types of low-grade spondylolisthesis are described: low PI (type 1), normal PI (type 2), and high PI (type 3). High-grade spondylolisthesis are defined as type 4 (balanced sacro-pelvis), type 5 (retroverted sacro-pelvis with balanced spine), and type 6 (retroverted sacro-pelvis with unbalanced spine).

METHODS

Full-length standing lateral radiographs of the spine of 40 subjects with lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were reviewed twice by 7 observers. Custom software was used by the observers to identify 7 anatomical landmarks on each radiograph to determine the SDSG type for all subjects. Percentage of agreement and κ coefficients were used to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability.

RESULTS

All 6 types of spondylolisthesis described in the computer-assisted SDSG classification were identified. Overall intra- and interobserver agreements were 80% (κ: 0.74) and 71% (κ: 0.65), respectively. The intra- and interobserver agreements associated with computerized determination of slip grade were 92% (κ: 0.83) and 88% (κ: 0.78), respectively. As for computerized determination of sacro-pelvic and spinal balance, intra- and interobserver agreements were 86% (κ: 0.76) and 75% (κ: 0.63) for low-grade slips, whereas they were 88% (κ: 0.80) and 83% (κ: 0.75) for high-grade slips.

CONCLUSION

Substantial intra- and interobserver reliability was found for the computer-assisted SDSG classification, and all 6 types of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were identified. Refinement of the computer-assisted classification technique is, however, needed to further increase the reliability of the SDSG classification and facilitate its clinical use.

Avaliação epidemiológica das fraturas da coluna torácica e lombar dos pacientes atendidos no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital Getúlio Vargas em Recife/PE

INTRODUÇÃO: as fraturas da coluna torácica e lombar estão se tornando mais frequentes, devido ao aumento dos acidentes de alta energia. Elas apresentam um elevado índice de morbidade e mortalidade, acarretando grandes prejuízos socioeconômicos. OBJETIVO: analisar a epidemiologia das fraturas torácicas e lombares de pacientes atendidas no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital Getúlio Vargas em Recife (PE). MÉTODOS: este estudo é uma análise epidemiológica dos pacientes com fraturas da coluna torácica e lombar, admitidos na emergência do Hospital Getúlio Vargas no período de 1º de novembro de 2007 a 30 de abril de 2008. Foram admitidos 42 pacientes com fraturas da coluna torácica e lombar, perfazendo um total de 54 vértebras fraturadas. RESULTADOS: observou-se que as fraturas da coluna torácica e lombar foram mais frequentes no gênero masculino, com uma média de idade de 39 anos. As quedas de altura foram responsáveis por 61,9% dos casos, seguida dos acidentes com motos (19,05%). Lesões neurológicas estiveram presentes em 14,28% dos casos e o tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado em 50% deles. CONCLUSÃO: as fraturas da coluna torácica e lombar, no presente estudo, foram frequentes nos adultos jovens, do gênero masculino, trabalhadores e causadas por queda de altura.

Is there a way to diagnose spinal instability in acute burst fractures by performing ultrasound?

The aim of this study is to examine the predictive value of ultrasound diagnostics for the assessment of traumatic lesions of the posterior ligament complex (PLC) in burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. This was a prospective validating cohort study. Judgment about instability and treatment of burst fractures depends on the condition of the PLC. There have been some studies describing underdiagnosis of PLC injuries due to classification problems in ligamentary distraction type fractures. The gold standard for assessing these lesions is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Even then, there are often limits in contemporary operational availability and technical limitations of MRI. Ultrasound was described being an alternative. In a prospective study, 54 levels of 18 patients with acute burst fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine have been examined by ultrasound and additional MRI scans preoperatively. The condition (intact vs. ruptured) of supraspinous ligament (SSL) and the interspinous ligament has been assessed for the ligaments separately. Hematoma below the SSL has also been evaluated as an indirect sign of an injured PLC. In all the patients the primary performed operative treatment was a posterior spinal instrumentation. Postoperatively the blinded results of the ultrasound procedures have been matched against intraoperative and MRI findings. Assessments of all target structures have been contributed to the calculation of the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound. A total of 18 patients, 14 males and 4 females, with acute burst fractures have been qualified for inclusion in the study. The patients' mean age was 43.4 years. Comparing intraoperative findings with preoperatively performed investigations, ultrasound archived a sensitivity of 0.99 and a specificity of 0.75 (P < 0.05) to detect traumatic lesions to the PLC. As hypothesized the obtained predictive value using ultrasound correlates closely with intraoperative findings. Anyway MRI still seems to be the superior diagnostic method for examining the PLC. However, ultrasound can be considered to be an adequate alternative method in cases with contraindications for MRI such as ferromagnetic side effects, claustrophobia, availability or emergency diagnostics in multiple injuries.

Plain radiography versus computed tomography scans in the diagnosis and management of thoracolumbar burst fractures

STUDY DESIGN

The role of plain radiography in the diagnosis and management of thoracolumbar burst fractures was evaluated when compared with computed tomography (CT) scans.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of plain radiography in detecting thoracolumbar burst fractures when CT scans were used as the gold standard, and to assess the impact of disagreement of the results between plain radiographs and CT scans on treatment plan.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There have been few studies comparing the value of plain radiography with that of CT scans in the diagnosis and management of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

METHODS

Radiographs of 73 patients with a compression or burst fracture were reviewed independently by 3 residents and 3 spine surgeons. The results of CT scans were used as the gold standard to determine the accuracy of plain radiography for the diagnosis. More quantitative results of 57 patients with a burst fracture based on plain radiographs alone were compared with those after addition of CT scans. The disagreement between the results was analyzed, and the impact of disagreement on treatment plan was defined as the changes of load sharing score between <or=6 and >or=7.

RESULTS

The accuracy of plain radiography improved with the experience of observers. The results on the load sharing score agreed between plain radiographs alone and radiographs with CT scans only for 56%, indicating moderate agreement. The impact of disagreement on treatment plan was significant (P < 0.05). This disagreement was most contributed by the underestimation for vertebral body comminution based on plain radiographs.

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of plain radiography is acceptable in the qualitative sense, and would improve with the experience of observers. However, plain radiography alone would not be adequate when used for more quantitatively assessing the fractures. Addition of CT scanning is necessary for treatment planning.

Traumatic thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures: operative or nonoperative treatment: comparison of two treatment strategies by means of surgeon equipoise

STUDY DESIGN

A center parallel cohort study with blinded inclusion based on clinical equipoise.

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes of nonoperative and operative treatment strategies in terms of quality of life and neurologic and functional status.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite a considerable body of literature, sound evidence regarding the optimal treatment for traumatic thoracic and lumbar spine fractures is lacking.

METHODS

Medical records of patients hospitalized for traumatic spinal fractures between 1991 and 2002 were identified in 2 trauma centers in the same country with established and different treatment strategies. Eligibility was retrospectively assessed for each case by a panel of orthopaedic surgeons who were representative of the 2 medical centers, and who were blinded to the treatment actually administered. Patients were included in the study when there was disagreement on the suggested treatment method. Thus, 2 comparable groups were identified undergoing nonoperative or operative treatment. Outcome assessment and comparison across groups focused on quality of life, residual pain, neurologic recovery, and employment in the middle-long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Discordance in regards to choice of treatment was identified in 190 (95 treated nonoperative, 95 operative) of 636 potentially eligible patients. Patients were comparable regarding baseline characteristics, except for a somewhat higher proportion of males and neurologic impairment in the operative group. Seventeen percent of the nonoperative and 21% of the operative group developed complications and 3 patients displayed neurologic deterioration for which a treatment change was considered necessary. Follow-up was complete in 79%; mean follow-up time was 6.2 years with a minimum of 2 years. Pain scores, disability indexes, and general health outcome were comparable at follow-up. Compared with matched population norms, outcomes were poorer regardless of treatment method. Neurologic recovery was better in the operative group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that female gender and neurologic impairment were independent predictors of poor functional outcome. Eighty-eight and 83% of the nonoperatively and operatively treated patients were employed at some point after a rehabilitation period.

CONCLUSION

Overall outcome of nonoperative and operative treatment in middle-long-term follow up is comparable, although there seems to be a difference in neurologic recovery patterns. Studies on the cost-effectiveness of treatment options and the patterns of recovery within 2 years after injury would assist in guideline development and stimulate interest for future research.