Vol. 9, Issue 4, Part A (2025)

Stable thoracolumbar spine fractures represent a significant proportion of spinal injuries encountered in orthopaedic practice, particularly following low- to moderate-energy trauma. These fractures are commonly managed conservatively when neurological status is intact and mechanical stability is preserved. Despite widespread acceptance of non-operative treatment, variations persist regarding immobilization methods, duration of bed rest, and rehabilitation protocols. Understanding functional outcomes following conservative management is therefore essential for evidence-based decision-making. This article evaluates the functional outcome of conservative treatment in patients with stable thoracolumbar spine fractures, emphasizing pain relief, mobility, return to daily activities, and radiological progression. Conservative management typically includes external bracing, activity modification, analgesia, and structured physiotherapy. Several studies have demonstrated satisfactory outcomes with non-operative care, reporting low rates of deformity progression and favorable functional recovery. Pain reduction and early mobilization play a crucial role in preventing complications such as deconditioning, pulmonary issues, and psychological distress. Functional assessment tools, including validated disability and pain scales, have been used to quantify outcomes and patient satisfaction. Radiological parameters such as vertebral height loss and kyphotic angle are also monitored to ensure maintenance of spinal alignment during healing. The majority of patients treated conservatively regain functional independence and resume pre-injury activities within months, provided compliance with treatment protocols is maintained. However, outcomes may be influenced by patient age, fracture morphology, bone quality, and adherence to rehabilitation. This review highlights that conservative management remains a safe and effective approach for stable thoracolumbar fractures in appropriately selected patients. Early identification of stability, close follow-up, and individualized rehabilitation strategies are critical to optimizing outcomes. The findings reinforce the role of non-operative treatment as a viable standard of care, minimizing surgical risks while achieving satisfactory functional recovery and quality of life in most patients.