Spinal fractures are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients experiencing trauma. Identifying the significance of each fracture type and its prognosis is vital. Many trauma classification systems were devised to address these issues. The AO trauma classification system is a departure from prior classifications because it addresses new aspects that were not included in prior ones. Its addition of neurologic status and modifiers has enabled a more concise and accurate approach to fractures by incorporating more than the dichotomy of fracture or no fracture. This review article introduces the AO Spine injury classification system, some of the subsets under this classification system, and an explanation of how the American Society of Neuroradiology Common Data Elements macros can be used to better understand and incorporate this system into common radiologic practice to report spinal trauma in the language of the multidisciplinary team.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will gain strategies to identify the AO Spine injury classification system and its subsets, what distinguishes it from different prior classifications, and how to implement American Society of Neuroradiology Common Data Elements AO Spine injury classification system macros into common radiologic practice, after completing this article.