Morphology is the first step in the AO framework. Always correlate with TLICS Neurological Scoring to finalize the management plan.
Anatomic Stability Probe
Input the primary morphological mechanism observed on thoracic or lumbar imaging to establish the AO Spine Type and determine mechanical integrity.
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Classifying thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine fractures (T1 - L5).
Used frequently in conjunction with the TLICS neurological modifiers to define the complete care plan.
Section 2
Literature
Development
The original Magerl AO classification had 53 different fracture subgroups, rendering it completely useless for rapid clinical communication. In 2013, Vaccaro and AOSpine reduced it to a clean ABC hierarchy modeling the mechanism of failure: Compression (A), Tensile Failure (B), and Shear/Translation (C).
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
Burst Fracture vs Tension Band
It is vital to look at the facets and spinous processes on sagittal CT or MRI. An A4 (Complete Burst) fracture looks awful but is theoretically stable if the posterior ligaments hold. But if the spinous processes are splayed wide apart (B2 injury), the spine acts like a hinge with nothing holding it back, making surgery mandatory.
