Recent epidemiological data for spinal trauma in France are sparse. However, increased knowledge of sagittal balance and the development of minimally invasive techniques have greatly improved surgical management.

To describe the epidemiology and management of traumatic vertebral fracture, and to analyze evolution and risk factors for poor functional outcome at 1year's follow-up.

A prospective multicenter French cohort study was performed over a 6-month period in 2011, including all cases of vertebral fracture surgery. Data were collected by online questionnaire over the Internet. Demographic characteristics, lesion type and surgical procedures were collected. Clinical, functional and radiological assessment was carried out at 1year.

Five hundred and eighteen patients, with a mean age of 47years, were included. Sixty-seven percent of fractures involved the thoracic or lumbar segment. Thirty percent of patients had multiple fractures and 28% neurological impairment. A minimally invasive technique was performed in 20% of cases and neurological decompression in 25%. Dural tear was observed in 42 patients (8%). Seventy percent of patients were followed up at 1year. Functionally, SF-36 scores decreased on all dimensions, significantly associated with age, persistent neurological deficit and previous spine imbalance. Thirty-eight percent of working patients had returned to work. Radiologically, sagittal balance was good in 74% of cases, with fracture consolidation in 70%.

Despite progress in management, spinal trauma was still a source of significant morbidity in 2011, with pronounced decrease in quality of life. Conserved sagittal balance appeared to be associated with better functional outcome.