Assessment of load-sharing thoracolumbar injury: A modified scoring system

Table 1 Loading-sharing thoracolumbar injury score

Qualifier	Points
Morphology
Compression1
Comminution/involvement
≤ 1/3 comminution	0.5
1/3-2/3 comminution	1
> 2/3 comminution	1.5
Apposition of fragments
< 2 mm displacement of ≤ 6 regions of body	0.5
≥ 2 mm displacement of ≤ 4 regions of body	1
(or < 2 mm displacement of > 6 regions of body)
≥ 2 mm displacement of > 4 regions of body	1.5
Deformity correction
Kyphotic correction ≤ 3°	0.5
Kyphotic correction 4°-9°	1
Kyphotic correction ≥ 10°	1.5
Translation/rotational	3
Distraction	4
Neurologic status
Intact	0
Nerve root	2
Cord, conus medullaris
Incomplete	3
Complete	2
Cauda equina	3
Posterior ligamentous complex
Intact	0
Injury suspected/indeterminate	2
Injured	3

¹Illustration can be seen in Figure 1.