Maegerl AO classification

Thoracolumbar spine trauma

A. Compression

(NOTE: posterior soft tissue must be intact even if there is some posterior element fracture)
  • A1: Wedge
  • A2: Split or coronal
  • A3: Burst

    • B. Distraction

  • B1: Distraction of the posterior soft tissues (subluxation)
  • B2: Distraction of the posterior arch (Chance fracture)
  • B3: Distraction of the anterior disc (extension spondylolysis)

    • C. Multi-directional with translation

  • C1: Anterior-posterior (dislocation)
  • C2: Lateral (lateral shear)
  • C3: Rotational (rotational burst)

    • Reference

    http://bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/monograph/820/basics/classification.html