• Jun Peng and Jianguang Xu.
• Department of Spinal Surgery, the Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200233, P.R. China.
• Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2009 Dec 1; 23 (12): 1506-9.

ObjectiveTo review the latest progress in classification system of thoracolumbar fractures and its surgical treatment with posterior approaches.MethodsRecent literature about classification system of thoracolumbar fractures and its surgical treatment was reviewed.ResultsFor the treatment of thoracolumbar fracture, the surgeon first should decide whether the surgical treatment was necessary. Recently, a new classification system had been developed to help the surgeon make the right decision. The surgical methods included short segment internal fixation and long segment internal fixation with or without fusion, and minimally invasive internal fixation.ConclusionThe progress in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fracture will help spinal surgeon decide the necessary surgery beneficial for the patients. The most appropriate and effective surgical method with the minimum damage should be used to treat the fracture. The advantages of non-fusion surgical treatment still need a further study.

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