ABSTRACT
I INTRODUCTION The management of thoracolumbar fractures remains controversial. The controversy continues primarily due to the lack of a significant functional difference noted when comparing the results of operative and nonoperative treatment methods. Advanced imaging techniques such as computed axial tomography (CAT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have facilitated a better appreciation of fracture pattern morphology and the implied injury mechanism, the status of the neural elements, and our understanding of the ill-defined concept of spinal stability. However, these advances have not enabled us to identify the specific factors that determine whether surgery will lead to a better functional outcome than nonoperative treatment techniques.
