25 Tender Is the Spine: Thoracolumbar Fractures and Patterns of Referrals

Abstract Introduction This study investigates the pattern of referrals thoracolumbar fractures between trauma and orthopaedic department in a district general unit (TU) affiliated Major Trauma Centre (MTC). Our TU has got no out hour emergency spinal surgeons on site. Patients who are admitted with get referred to MTC for advice management. The TLICS score AO Thoracolumbar fracture classification system two well recognized systems fractures. main aim this project is evaluate current practice its effectiveness. Method Data was retrospectively collected from board patients call services over 16-month period. Patients’ demographics, mechanism injury, scores were recorded, outcome registered. Results From 92 identified most had low energy majority (<2) class (A1,2,3). 24 whom 10 required follow-up appointment. 39 discussed local consultants. 91 treated conservatively locally. Conclusions Most It can be argued that at unnecessarily burdened reassurance. A change pathway possibly put place (A1,2,3), surgeon input. calls follow-on multi-centre study.