Spine trauma encompasses fractures, dislocations, and ligamentous injuries of the spinal column that may threaten the spinal cord and nerves.
Types of Spine Trauma
- Compression fractures (common in osteoporosis)
- Burst fractures
- Flexion-distraction (seatbelt) injuries
- Fracture-dislocations
- Upper cervical spine fractures
Treatment
- Bracing for stable fractures
- Posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation
- Anterior vertebral body reconstruction
- Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty for compression fractures
- Emergency decompression for spinal cord compression
Common Symptoms
- Severe back or neck pain after injury
- Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
- Difficulty walking after trauma
- Visible spinal deformity
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain with movement
Treatment Options
Spinal bracing
Posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation
Anterior vertebral reconstruction
Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty
Emergency surgical decompression
Dr. Marcus Stephens and Dr. Jerry Walters II
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert spine trauma treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.