Spinal Trauma

What is spinal trauma?

Spinal trauma refers to damage to the spinal cord, nerves and surrounding structures that can compromise spinal stability. Common types of traumatic spinal injuries include the following:

• Spinal fractures: Vertebral fractures are sudden, unexpected breaks in the vertebrae of the spine. They may develop at any point along the spine and may, unfortunately, be caused by a number of reasons related to spinal infections, tumours of the spine, motor vehicle accidents, sudden falls, and sports injuries.
• Dislocation is a severe injury that arises when the ligaments of the spine become overly stretched or suddenly rupture, causing the vertebrae to shift out of position.

Preventing Spinal Trauma: The Key to Avoiding Disability

Spinal trauma impacts the spinal cord, severely undermining its ability to function optimally and, in some cases, resulting in permanent disability. It’s crucial to take an active role in minimising the risk of disability and loss of spinal cord function. These types of injuries can result in temporary or irreversible disability, which is why it’s important to mitigate traumatic injuries by implementing safety measures to reduce the risk of sustaining such injuries.

How do you treat spinal trauma?

Fortunately, there are effective surgeries to treat spinal trauma and prevent serious injury to the spinal cord that can significantly affect its function. Typically, treatment consists of immobilisation for a fracture present, depending on the type, and surgery to strengthen and reinforce the spine. This effective treatment can provide hope and reassurance to those affected by spinal trauma.

For example, spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that conjoins two or several vertebrae in the spine, reducing unnecessary, painful motion between them. A bone graft is used to stabilise the area as the bones are safely secured with screws, plates and cages. Spinal fusion is the standard treatment for degenerative disc disease, scoliosis and severe spinal trauma.

Vertebroplasty, which involves applying bone cement via injection through the damaged spinal bone, is performed in conjunction with kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure whereby a balloon is placed into the spinal bone and inflated, then safely extracted before the bone cement can be administered. These procedures, performed simultaneously, are used to treat symptomatic vertebral compression fractures.