Instability in Thoracolumbar Trauma: Is a New Definition Warranted?

Conclusions: Thirty-six years after White and Panjabi’s original definition of instability, and many classification schemes later, there remains no practical and meaningful definition for spinal instability in thoracolumbar trauma. Surgeon expertise and experience remains an important factor in stability determination. We propose that, at an initial assessment, a distinction should be made between immediate and delayed instability. This designation should better guide surgeons in decision making and patient counseling.
Source: Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques - Category: Surgery Tags: Primary Research Source Type: research