This single-center retrospective study compared a novel remote review protocol (spine surgery resident, no bedside visit) vs. traditional bedside consultation for adult trauma patients with acute, low-risk thoracolumbar compression fractures (TLCF) managed non-operatively with TLSO bracing; PRE cohort May 2022–April 2023, POST cohort June 2023–June 2024.
Among 120 patients (79 in POST, 41 in PRE), zero patients in either group developed TLCF-related complications (neurological deficits or TLSO brace complications); median time to discharge was similar (28 h PRE vs. 26 h POST, p = 0.61).
- Single-center retrospective design limits generalizability. - Small PRE cohort (n=41) may underpowered to detect rare complications. - Selection criteria for "low-risk" TLCF are not fully detailed in the abstract, risking patient selection bias.
For low-risk acute TLCF managed non-operatively, a remote review by an on-call spine surgery resident appears safe and does not delay discharge compared to bedside consultation. Trauma centers may consider adopting similar protocols to reduce unnecessary in-person spine consults.
