Is there a need for lumbar orthosis in mild compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine?: A retrospective study comparing the radiographic results between early ambulation with and without lumbar orthosis

Compression fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are common in spinal traum a. Most patients are treated with early ambulation. Bracing is an option no t always recommended by the treating team. There are no definite recommenda tions so far regarding the need for lumbar orthosis in this type of injury. The authors retrospectively compared two methods for treating patients wit h compression as great as 30%: early ambulation with and without lumbar ort hosis. The results show that although demographic variables, type of injury , and cause of injury were similar between the groups, neither treatment em erged as superior. Thoracolumbar fractures with compression as much as 30% can be treated with early ambulation and no external support. Close clinica l and radiographic follow-up is essential.