Holdsworth Classification


Name

Holdsworth Classification

Source Article

Holdsworth FW, Chir M. Review Article Fractures, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970;52(8):1534-51.

Description

Holdsworth Classification was the first comprehensive classification system for spinal column injuries. The classifation system is based on  mechanism of injury, and divides the spine to two columns: anterior and posterior. The system did not discriminate between cervical and thoracolumbar injuries.

Structure / Content

The categories of the system are:

  • Simple wedge fracture
  • Dislocation
  • Rotational fracture-dislocation
  • Extension injury
  • Burst injury
  • Shear fracture

Scientific Spine's Comment

Frank Holdsworth was the first to identify the importance of the posterior ligamentous complex in determining stability. Holdsworth system had a great impact on later classification systems on spine trauma. Later, the AO Classification System on Thoracolumbar Injury used Holdsworth's two-column approach.






References
  • Holdsworth FW, Chir M. Review Article Fractures, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1970;52(8):1534-51.






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