The surgical management of thoracolumbar injuries.

This review addresses the epidemiology, clinical examination, and radiographic evaluation and fracture classification of thoracolumbar injuries. The factors that indicate surgical intervention and the surgical management of specific injuries such as compression fractures, burst fractures, flexion-distraction, and fracture-dislocation injuries are described, as well as their potential complications. In addition, postoperative management is covered, including deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis.