Unstable Spinal Fractures

Traumatic spinal injuries occur relatively frequently, with an annual incidence of about 12,000 patients per year in the United States. Modern advances in critical care management of patients with spinal injuries and spinal cord injuries have greatly decreased mortality. Therefore, the prevalence in the United States is more than 200,000 patients per year. The importance of early diagnosis and proper management of acute spinal fractures cannot be understated. This chapter reviews the different types of bony and ligamentous disruption in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine that can lead to new or worsened neurologic injury if left untreated.