MANAGEMENT OF SPINE FRACTURES ACCORDING TO THE THORACOLUMBAR AO SPINE INJURY SCORE

Document Type : Original articles: include clinical trials, interventional research, Basic researches and clinically relevant laboratory investigations

Authors

Orthopedic dept., Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag, Egypt

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Thoracolumbar AO Spine Injury Score (TLAOSIS) in guiding the management of thoracolumbar spine fractures and predicting clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 25 adult patients with thoracolumbar fractures treated at Sohag University Hospitals between September 2023 and September 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their TLAOSIS score: Group A (<4) managed conservatively and Group B (>4) managed operatively. Results: Group A demonstrated significantly better outcomes at arrival, including lower kyphotic angles (11 ± 3.2° vs. 18.8 ± 5.9°, p = 0.001), less vertebral height loss (10.11% ± 2.4 vs. 21.5% ± 6.3%, p < 0.001), and lower pain scores (VAS: 24.2 ± 8.9 vs. 40.9 ± 11.2, p < 0.001). Group B showed more severe initial injuries but exhibited marked improvement over time. By 9 months, both groups achieved comparable outcomes in neurological function (ASIA E: 80%), disability (MODI minimal: 96%), pain (VAS 0–4: 64%), and deformity reduction. The association between TLAOSIS and vertebral height loss (p = 0.002) and kyphotic angle (p = 0.016) was statistically significant at baseline but not at follow-up. Conclusion: TLAOSIS is a reliable prognostic tool that correlates with injury severity and guides treatment decisions. Conservative management is effective for patients with low scores, while surgical intervention benefits those with high scores. Incorporating TLAOSIS into clinical decision-making supports personalized care and improved recovery outcomes. Further validation in larger, multicenter studies is recommended.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Orthopedic Research
Volume 5, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 71-77

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