Predictors of outcome in the non-operative management of thoracolumbar and lumbar burst fractures.

Aim: Burst fractures without neurological deficit are often treated successfully without surgery. A subgroup may fail non-operative treatment owing to pain, and opt for surgery. The following review was conducted to identify predictors of success or failure in the non-operative treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Alternative grafts in anterior cervical fusion.

Objective: The present retrospective study was conducted to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) cages, or allograft.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of ACDF using allograft in 20 patients, and CFRP in 19 who had sequential radiographs before and after surgery, and at 1 year.

Results: There were no apparent significant differences between the 2 groups in age (p=0.