Thoracolumbar Spine Trauma: When Damage Control Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is an Option

Minimally invasive spinal techniques for the treatment of a multitude of spinal pathological conditions have evolved over the course of the past decade. Initially pioneered for the treatment of degenerative lumbar disorders, the techniques are now used to treat tumor, infection, deformity, and trauma. Minimally invasive techniques have been shown to play a role in the treatment of patients with multiple traumatic injuries and might be a viable treatment option for a critically ill trauma patient who cannot tolerate a traditional open procedure.