KONSERVATIVE BEHANDLUNG VON WIRBELSAULENVERLETZUNGEN

The majority of vertebral fractures are still treated conservatively. Stable fractures of the lower thoracic spine and the lumbar spine that are not associated with neurological deficits, can be reduced in hyperextension or hyperflexion, and, after fixation in a plastic cast, the patient early starts on functional exercises. Alternatively, for cervical spinal fractures, the diadem plastic plaster cast or halo-body cast may be employed. As in the case of surgery, conservative treatment of fractures of the spine requires an accurate diagnostic evaluation and establishment of the indication, and, in suitable cases, produces excellent results, also over the long term.