The functional prognosis of thoracolumbar vertebrae fractures without neurological deficit: a long-term follow-up study of British Army personnel.

Abstract

Seventy-three British Army personnel were followed up for a mean of 64 (range 6-120) months after sustaining a thoracolumbar vertebral fracture without neurological deficit. Road-traffic accidents were the commonest cause of injury. An excellent functional outcome was achieved in 74 per cent of cases, good in 15 per cent, fair in 10 per cent and poor in 1 per cent. The functional outcome was not significantly affected by the fracture type, severity, region or treatment received. This study has important medico-legal implications.