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Spine
intermediate
X-Type

Thoracolumbar Fractures - Classification and Management

Spinal Trauma

A 35-year-old male falls 4 metres from scaffolding, landing on his feet. He presents with severe mid-back pain. Neurological examination reveals no deficits. CT scan shows an L1 burst fracture with 50% loss of vertebral body height, 30% canal compromise, and no significant kyphosis. MRI demonstrates intact posterior ligamentous complex. Regarding the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS):

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

TLICS evaluates three independent parameters: injury morphology (1-4 points), posterior ligamentous ...

B

Injury morphology scoring: compression fracture = 1 point, burst fracture = 2 points, translation/ro...

C

Posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) assessment: intact = 3 points, suspected injury = 2 points, inju...

D

Neurological status scoring: intact = 0 points, nerve root injury = 2 points, complete cord injury =...

E

For this patient with L1 burst fracture, intact PLC, and intact neurology: morphology = 2 (burst), P...

Answer the questions to see explanations

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