McCormack Load-Sharing Classification (Spine Fracture)
McCormack Load-Sharing Classification of spine fractures: three CT/radiographic components (comminution, fragment apposition, kyphosis to correct), each 1-3, summed to 3-9.
Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.
Example
- Comminution of the body
- 3
- Fragment apposition/spread
- 2
- Kyphosis to correct
- 2
Result: Load-Sharing 7 of 9 — ≥ 7: predicts short-segment posterior failure; anterior support or a longer construct advised.
The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.
What the result means
- Threshold
- ≤ 6 suggests short-segment posterior fixation suffices; ≥ 7 predicts its failure, so anterior column support or a longer construct is advised. Complements TLICS, does not replace it.
What you enter
- Comminution of the body: 1 = ≤ 30%, 2 = 30-60%, 3 = > 60%
- Fragment apposition/spread: 1 = minimal (< 2 mm), 2 = ≥ 2 mm over ≥ half the surface, 3 = wide spread
- Kyphosis to correct: 1 = ≤ 3°, 2 = 4-9°, 3 = ≥ 10°
How this is calculated
- Components
- three CT/radiographic items each 1-3: comminution (≤ 30% / 30-60% / > 60%), fragment apposition (< 2 mm / ≥ 2 mm over ≥ half / wide), kyphosis to correct (≤ 3° / 4-9° / ≥ 10°); total 3-9.
McCormack T, Karaikovic E, Gaines RW. The load sharing classification of spine fractures. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1994;19(15):1741-1744. Read the source ↗
A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.