Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the clinical outcome and efficacy of closed management of theoracolumbar burst fractures without neurologic deficits.Methods 20 patients with a burst fracture of thoracolumbar vertebrae but without neurologic deficit were reviewed clinically and radiographically following nonoperative management.ResultsAfter treatment, the averaged Cobb angle (8°)was better than that (18.5°) before treatment (P<0.01), and the averaged anterior body height (87.18%) was also better than that (50.68%) before treatment (P<0.01). In 12 patients, averaged occupying area of vertebra in vertebral canal was 27% before treatment and lowered 16% after treatment (P<0.01). During treatment period, one patient developed neurologic deterioration that prompted surgery. All other patients remained neurologically intact. After follow-up (average 2.5 years), an overall outcome evaluation indicated that 70% of patients had excellent outcomes relative to pain and function, 25% had good and 5% had poor outcomes.Conclusions These findings suggest that nonoperative management as the preferred treatment can use in above circumstances.

Key words: burst fracture, thoracolumbar vertebrae, nonoperative management