Thoracolumbar spine fractures - McAfee classification

Wedged compression fracture

Stable burst fracture

Unstable burst fracture

Note: The importance of differentiating compression from burst fractures lies in the higher frequency of neurologic deficits associated with the latter.

Chance fracture

Flexion-distraction injury

Translational injury

The classification of acute traumatic spinal injuries by McAfee and colleagues 1 is based on the three column concept of the spine. CT is mandatory for accurate assessment.

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