Early Mobilization in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures without Neurological Deficit Managed Conservatively

Since long, thoracolumbar burst fractures have been treated either by prolonged bed rest or by surgical fixation. In this study, outcomes of early mobilization with non-operative treatment are evaluated to avoid unnecessary surgery and complications of prolonged bed rest.

This prospective observational study included 40 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with no neurological deficit. Patients were mobilized with Taylor’s brace as soon as acute pain subsided and reviewed for at least two years with standing radiographs. They were evaluated for anterior vertebral height loss (VHL), kyphotic angle (KA), pain by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and neurological deterioration at presentation, one month, six months, and two years.

The mean progression of kyphosis over two years was 7.8 degrees. The mean VHL also progressed from a mean of 51.9% at presentation to 60.4% at the two-year follow-up, a mean progression of 8.5%. At two years of follow-up, the mean ODI and the mean VAS score were 10.1% and 0.7, respectively. No patient developed a neurological deficit.

Even though there is some deterioration in radiological parameters, there is constant improvement in functional parameters. For these fractures, non-operative management using a brace and early mobilization promises comparable results without the cost and risk of surgery.