[Classification and prognosis of spinal injuries].

ABCD-0123-CLASSIFICATION: Taking into consideration the known classifications, a new scale of spiral injuries has been developed in which the three osteoligamentous columns (= three column spine) of the axial organ are designated by the letters A, B, and C. The letter D denotes the discoligamentous structures. This classification includes constriction of the spinal canal, whereby constriction of 1/3 is given the number 1, 2/3 the number 2, 3/3 the number 3, and no constriction 0. The prognosis of spinal injuries depends on many factors, especially the following: 1. Severeness of injury, 2. Time of operation, 3. Operation team, 4. Result of reconstruction and degree of stability, 5. Fusion distance, 6. Other diseases, and 7. Postoperative care. A good reconstruction of the spinal canal and good stability by short fusion in the injured part of the spine are very important for prognosis.