[Fracture of the vertebrae due to riding accidents].

Fractures of the vertebral column due to riding accidents are frequent. In most of the cases we observe compression fractures of a vertebral body without compression symptoms of the spinal cord. If fractures of the spine heal with a gibbus deformity degenerative changes of the vertebral joints with severe back pains may ensue. Therefore it seems necessary to treat fractures of the vertebral spine with immediate reposition (ventraler Durchhang) and following immobilisation with a plastic corset Lightcast, Hexcelite). Occasionally operative stabilisation is necessary, especially in fractures of the cervical spine.