Reliability of a novel classification system for thoracolumbar injuries: the Thoracolumbar Injury Severity Score.

Study Design: Prospective study of 5 spine surgeons rating 71 clinical cases of thoracolumbar spinal injuries using the Thoracolumbar Injury Severity Score (TLISS) and then re-rating the cases in a different order 1 month later.

Objective: To determine the reliability of the TLISS system.

Summary Of Background Data: The TLISS is a recently introduced classification system for thoracolumbar spinal column injures designed to simplify injury classification and facilitate treatment decision making.

Analysis of patient variables affecting neurologic outcome after traumatic cervical facet dislocation.

Background Context: Traumatic cervical facet dislocation accounts for a disproportionate rate of neurologic disability. The relative importance of patient and management variables, including the timing of spinal reduction, in ultimate neurologic outcome has not been well defined.

Purpose: To analyze data from a cohort of patients sustaining traumatic cervical facet dislocation to determine the relative importance of several patient and management variables in neurologic recovery after injury.