Skip to main content
OrthoVellum
Knowledge Hub

Study

  • Topics
  • MCQs
  • ISAWE
  • Operative Surgery
  • Flashcards

Company

  • About Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Blog

Legal

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Copyright & DMCA
  • Refund Policy

Support

  • Help Center
  • Accessibility
  • Report an Issue
OrthoVellum

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Spine
intermediate
X-Type

Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture TLICS

Spinal Trauma

A 35-year-old construction worker falls from a height and presents with severe back pain. Examination reveals midline tenderness at T12-L1, no neurological deficit, and an interspinous gap on palpation. CT scan shows an L1 burst fracture with 40% canal compromise. MRI demonstrates a disrupted posterior ligamentous complex with interspinous ligament signal abnormality. Regarding thoracolumbar burst fractures and the TLICS classification:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Burst fractures result from axial compression causing failure of both anterior and posterior vertebr...

B

The TLICS (Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score) evaluates three categories: morph...

C

Burst fractures involve only the anterior column; the cervical spine is most commonly affected; PLC ...

D

TLICS score interpretation: less than or equal to 3 typically non-operative, 4 may be operative or n...

E

Non-operative treatment with bracing is appropriate for stable burst fractures (intact PLC, no neuro...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option