JBJS reviews
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We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials to determine the effect of the use of an orthosis (as compared with no orthosis) on clinical and radiographic outcomes in neurologically intact patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. Optimal nonoperative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures in neurologically intact patients remains inconclusive. Conventional care prescribes spine precautions and a thoracolumbar orthosis. Recent studies have suggested that patients with stable burst fractures can obtain comparable outcomes with or without bracing. ⋯ Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.