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Classification of Magerl et al for Injuries to the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine: Distinction of the Major Types

Description

Magerl et al developed a classification for injuries to the thoracic and lumbar spine using a scheme similar to that used for the AO fracture classification. This can help separate patients into groups which correlate with injury severity and management needs. The authors are from multiple institutions in Europe and North America.


 

Features of concern in the classification:

(1) status of the anterior column (vertebral bodies)

(2) status of the intervertebral disc

(3) status of the posterior column (bones and ligaments)

(4) rotational forces involved in the injury

 

Major types in the classification:

(1) Type A - injury to the vertebral body of the anterior column

(2) Type B - injury to the anterior column and/or posterior column and/or intervertebral disc

(3) Type C - Type A or Type B lesion plus rotational injury

Injury

Type A

Type B

Type C

anterior vertebral body

Y

Y or N

Y or N

posterior column

N

Y or N

Y or N

intervertebral disc

N

Y or N

Y or N

rotational component

N

N

Y

 


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Specialty

ICD-10