Spinal fractures are serious injuries that occur when the vertebrae of the spine break due to high-velocity impacts such as road traffic accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Unlike limb fractures, spinal fractures can involve the spinal cord, potentially leading to significant disabilities like quadriplegia or paraplegia depending on the injury's location.
Symptoms include severe pain upon movement and, in severe cases, neurological impairments such as weakness below the neck or waist. The ASIA impairment grading system is crucial for assessing clinical weakness and guiding treatment decisions.
Diagnostic and Treatment Options:
Immediate care for spinal fractures involves immobilizing the patient to prevent further injury, using devices like spine boards and cervical collars. Diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays are essential to assess the fracture's location and stability. Treatment ranges from conservative methods like bed rest and bracing to surgical interventions, especially for unstable fractures or those with neurological deficits.
Personalized Care at Aster Whitefield:
At Aster Whitefield Hospital, emergency room doctors initially stabilize patients with polytrauma and use comprehensive imaging tools to identify and assess the severity of spinal fractures. Our spine surgeons further evaluate these injuries using MRI and classification systems like TLICS and AO to determine stability. Stable fractures may be managed with conservative treatments, while unstable or neurologically compromised fractures are addressed with minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This approach minimizes additional trauma and facilitates quicker recovery. Our round-the-clock readiness ensures that patients receive immediate and appropriate care, tailored to their specific needs.
