TLICS score

Q: In Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS), which of the spine injury morphology has the highest points? 

A) Compression fractures
B) Burst fractures
C) Rotational fractures 
D) Distraction fractures


Answer: D

Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) is based on three categories i.e. injury morphology, neurologic status, and integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex -which are further subclassified. Score calculators are available on public search engines. In injury morphology, distraction fractures have the highest i.e., 4 points.

Describing the whole score is beyond the scope of this page but a score ≥5 suggests operative treatment, and a score ≤3 suggests stability.

#trauma
#neurology


References:

Vaccaro AR, Lehman RA Jr, Hurlbert RJ, et al. A new classification of thoracolumbar injuries: the importance of injury morphology, the integrity of the posterior ligamentous complex, and neurologic status. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2005; 30:2325.