Clinical Research Directory

Thoracolumbar fractures represent the most common spinal injuries, predominantly occurring at the T11-L2 junction due to the biomechanical transition from the rigid thoracic to the mobile lumbar spine. This region accounts for approximately half of all traumatic spinal fractures, owing to changes in spinal curvature, facet joint orientation, and load-bearing mechanics (1). Surgical management aims to restore spinal stability, correct kyphotic deformity, decompress neural elements, and enable early mobilization. Two posterior fixation strategies exist: short-segment fixation (SSF), spanning one level above and below the fracture with one or 2 intermediate screws in the fractured vertebra itself, and long-segment fixation (LSF), spanning two or more levels above and below with one or 2 intermediate screws in the fractured vertebra itself. Short-segment constructs preserve more motion segments with reduced surgical morbidity, while long-segment constructs provide potentially greater stabi