Variation in the management of thoracolumbar trauma and postoperative infection.

Study Design: Multinational survey of spine trauma surgeons.

Objectives: To survey spine trauma surgeons, examine the variety of management practices for thoracolumbar fractures, and investigate the need for future areas of study.

Background: Attempts to develop a universal thoracolumbar classification system represent the first step in standardizing treatment of thoracolumbar injuries, but there is little consensus regarding diagnosis and management of these injuries.

Methods: A survey questionnaire regarding a fictional neurologically intact patient with a burst fracture was administered to 46 spine surgeons. The questionnaire consisted of 2 domains: management of thoracolumbar fractures and management of postoperative infection. Survey results were compiled and evaluated and consensus arbitrarily assumed when the majority of surgeons agreed on a single question answer.

Results: Although majority consensus was reached on most questions, the interobserver reliability was poor. Consensus was achieved that magnetic resonance imaging should be performed during initial imaging. The majority would also operate regardless of magnetic resonance imaging findings, and would not operate at night. The favored technique was a posterior approach with decompression. Percutaneous fusion was considered a viable option by the majority of surgeons. No consensus was reached regarding instrumentation levels or construct length. The majority would use posterolateral bone grafting, and would not remove instrumentation nor perform an anterior reconstruction. Consensus was reached that postoperative bracing is unnecessary. Regarding management of infection, consensus was reached to use intraoperative vancomycin powder but not culture the nares before surgery. The majority used a set time period for antibiotic treatment when a drain was required, and would not apply supplementary bone graft at the time of final debridement and closure.

Conclusions: There is lack of consensus regarding the appropriate management of thoracolumbar fractures. In the future, multicenter prospective studies are necessary to establish guidelines for the management of thoracolumbar fractures.