Conclusions. The data suggest that the condition of the posterior column, not the middle column, is a better indicator of burst fracture stability. It is proposed that the classic burst fracture (anterior and middle column compromise) is a stable injury that, in the absence of neurologic deficit, can be managed nonoperatively. http://mobile.journals.lww.com/spinejournal/_layouts/oaks.journals.mobile/articleviewer.aspx?year=1994&issue=08000&article=00013