According to recent findings of a retrospective study in the Neurologia medico-chirurgica Journal, each type of burst fracture exhibit different clinical & radiological characteristics, and can be managed by approaches like short-segment instrument & fusion with some augmentation methods with strong osteoporotic medicines.

A total of 38 participants who went through posterior-instrumented fusion were selected for the analysis. The burst fractures affected the middle-low lumbar vertebrae. Patients were assessed as per the fractures types: superior incomplete, inferior incomplete, and complete burst fractures. The assessment of postoperative complexities like instrumentation failure or vertebral collapse (PVC) were done following a mean follow-up period of 3.1 years.

Excluding for one patient who exhibited equina syndrome (superior-type fracture), all other patients suffered from leg pain. Out of 27 participants with superior- or inferior-type fracture, 19 found to have spondylolisthesis because of segmental instability. Neurological status improved significantly after the treatment. Whereas, segmental and lumbar lordosis at the fused level declined from the postoperative stage to the final follow-up because of postoperative complications. A good clinical outcome was found regarding the posterior-instrumented fusion; although due to bone fragility, a higher incidence of postoperative complications was inevitable. Therefore, surgical strategy, careful postoperative management and strong osteoporotic medications may be essential for these patients.