The diagnosis and management of thoracolumbar spine fracture have been progressrd greatly, because CT and MRI increase the apprehension to thoracolumbar fracture.

Middle dolumn was known to be important factor in determining fracture stability, according to "Three column concept by Denis and McAfee."

From Jan. 1990 to Jan. 1994 we have managed 63 cases of thoracolumbar compressive fracture and stable burst type thoracolumbar wpine fracture nonoperatively

Clinical and radiologic results(kyphotic angle, wedging angle) were evaluated according to fracture pattern.

We obtained the following results;

1. The change of kyphotic angle in stable burst fracture is more severe than compressive fracture.

2. The change of wedging angle in stable burst fracture is more severe than compressive fracture.

3. Clinical results of stable bursting fracture was worse than compressive fracture.

We concBuded that stable bursting thoracolumbar fracture need more aggressive management.