AO Spine Thoracolumbar and Sacral Injury Classification for the Radiologist

Spine injury and vertebral fractures are common occurrences and can be life changing or fatal. As part of the patient care team, the radiologist is often the first to diagnose spine injury. The AO Spine is the largest spine surgery research institution in the world. AO Spine has developed a standardized spine injury classification for the entire spine which has undergone review and clinical validation with surgeons worldwide to evaluate and demonstrate reproducibility. Using AO Spine classification, the radiologist ensures shared understanding with the surgeon and trauma team, expediting appropriate care for the spine injury patient. This review outlines the classification of spine injuries of the thoracolumbar and sacral spine and provides clinical imaging and reporting examples.