1. Fractures of the vertebrae without cord symptoms are the results of severe accidents affecting the upper lumbar spine in the majority of cases; and, although not to be compared in seriousness with those causing injury of the spinal cord, yet they are capable of producing distressing permanent symptoms.
2. Fractures of the transverse processes alone have, in this series, had practically no residual symptoms.
3. Seventy per cent. of the fractures of the crushing type in the dorsal and lumbar spine present pain in the back and weakness. A few of these patients are partially disabled.
4. No patient has been totally incapacitated due to the spinal injury. The average time of return to work following injury was from nine to fourteen months.
5. In view of these results, the question arises whether a longer period of primary immobilization would not yield better results.