Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of treatment for thoracolumbar spine trauma patients.

Patient and Method: This was a retrospective, descriptive, analytical, and single-center study. It included a population of 46 patients admitted for thoracolumbar spine trauma between January 2016 and July 2022. The mean age was 33.2 years, and 79% were male. Admission to the department was within 6 hours of the injury in 22% of cases. Upon admission, 56% presented with a neurological deficit. ASIA stage E was found in 43% of cases. The L1 vertebra was affected in 34% of cases and the thoracolumbar junction in 66% of cases. Type A1 lesions were the most common (34%). The mean vertebral kyphosis was 21.35° and the mean regional kyphosis was 21.58°. The mean regional traumatic angle was 25.54°.

Results: Surgical treatment was performed in 54% of patients followed by orthopedic treatment in 29.5%. Patients operated before the 10th day represented 39%. The Spine system osteosynthesis with a posterior approach was used in all operated patients and laminectomy was performed in 22/25 of them. 5-level fixation was performed in 15 patients and 4-level fixation in 5 patients. The average follow-up at evaluation was 114 days for 33 patients. Among them, 9 had neurological improvement, one patient had worsening and 7 remained stationary (5 of which were classified ASIA A on admission). Complications were noted in 13% of patients such as pressure sores (3 cases), urinary tract infection (1 case), surgical site infection (1 case), implant failure (1 case) and death (2 cases).

Conclusion: Thoracolumbar spine injuries are serious, often compromising the functional prognosis of the lower limbs, and sometimes even life-threatening. Early and appropriate management can prevent complications and increase the chances of recovery in those with partial neurological deficits.