Casting or bracing? Long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of two conservative modalities in thoracolumbar vertebral fractures

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Baymurat A. C., Gök H.

Global Spine Congress 2026, İstanbul, Türkiye, 27 - 30 Mayıs 2026, ss.1004, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: İstanbul
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1004
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction: To evaluate and compare the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of hyperextension casting versus Jewett bracing in the conservative management of thor acolumbar vertebral compression fractures. Material and Methods: Thirty-five patients with stable compression frac tures between T10 and L2 treated from 2002 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed (Brace: n = 18, Cast: n = 17). Outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), kyphotic angle (Cobb method), bone mineral density (BMD) index, and hospital stay. Median values were used; Mann–WhitneyUandChi-squaretestswere applied. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, or follow-up duration (p > 0.05). However, the brace group had significantly higher BMD Index (27.3 [26.8–28.1] vs. 26.3 [25.3–26.9]; p = 0.005*) and shorter hospital stay (1.0 [1.0–1.0] vs. 2.0 [2.0–2.0] days; p < 0.001*). Functional outcomes (ODI, VAS) were better in the brace group (p < 0.001*), while kyphotic progression was more limited in the cast group (p = 0.042). Conclusion: While the Jewett brace may offer an advantage in terms of early mobilization and functional recovery, hyperextension casting appears to be more effective in limiting kyphotic progression over time.