During the past few decades, there have been tremendous developments in orthopaedic surgeons’ approach to patients with acute traumatic injuries involving the spine or the spinal cord or combined injuries. As a result of advances in the scientific knowledge behind biomechanical and neurological aspects of spinal trauma, along with ever-improved imaging modalities and operative techniques, nonsurgical and surgical management approaches to spinal trauma patients have evolved.

The main principles of nonsurgical treatment based on ATLS protocols and of surgical treatments including neurologic decompression, rigid stabilization, and return of acceptable alignment have been universally accepted. Applications of these principles have also advanced regarding the use of both surgical and nonsurgical treatment protocols.

This special issue will discuss the current best practices and present developments in nonsurgical and surgical treatment approaches to acute spinal trauma patients. Our expert guest editors are inviting high-quality clinical and basic science original research articles as well as systematic review articles that focus on acute spinal trauma.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Clinical studies focusing on the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of cervical and thoracolumbar trauma that results in fractures and/or dislocations of the vertebral column
• Results from pilot trials or completed clinical trials relevant to the treatment of posttraumatic acute spinal cord injury
• Basic science studies that investigate the effects of various biological treatment modalities in the treatment of trauma-induced spinal cord injuries
• Preventive measures to minimize the potential risks for traumatic spinal injury
• Demographic studies revealing differences in incidence, mechanism of injury, and outcomes based on various geographies