Spinal instability: Trauma and tumor in the thoracolumbar spine

The importance of spinal stability in thoracolumbar trauma and tumors has been recognized for decades. However, the accurate assessment of stability continues to challenge treating spine surgeons. Advances in our understanding of the normal biomechanics of the spine and alterations that occur by trauma and tumors have enabled the development of comprehensive classification systems that are both descriptive and prognostic and have improved our treatment algorithms. The following article will provide an overview of spinal instability in the setting of thoracolumbar trauma and tumors.