In a prior blog entry, I highlighted a continuing medical education course on Thoracolumbar Trauma, that I moderated for the American Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The purpose of this blog entry is to define a thoracolumbar spinal fracture. 

A thoracolumbar spinal fracture, also referred to as a TL fracture is often the result of major trauma. Thoracolumbar – refers to the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae of the spine. This link – provides a visual of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae.