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Back bone fractures in true sense are emergencies till declared stable by spine specialists after thorough evaluation with scans.

Spinal fractures are common after fall from height and high velocity road traffic accidents. Most common spinal segment to fracture is mid back (Thoraco-lumbar region) which is the most mobile transitioning segment of spinal column.

BURST FRACTURE

Due to the inherent function of spinal bone which is bearing weight and contribution to mobility, there is always a risk for the dreaded complication – neurological deficit due to spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury can manifest as sudden weakness of both lower limbs to variable extent. Most often the injured individual following injury won’t be able to stand up if he/ she is conscious. If the neck bone is injured there won’t be movement in both upper and lower limbs.

CERVICAL SPINE – FRACTURE DISLOCATION

If the fracture is severe enough to cause an unstable spine which can lead to paralysis that’s an emergency. After CT scan and MRI scan evaluation such injuries are stabilized surgically and decompression of spinal cord is carried out on emergency basis.

UNSTABLE SPINE FRACTURE DISLOCATION

Wearing a helmet doesn’t prevent a cervical spine fracture much like the way a seat belt cannot prevent a thoracolumbar spine fracture. Always suspect spine fracture if someone is injured in a high velocity injury scenario or fall from height.

SEAT BELT INJURY – CHANCE FRACTURE

As a precaution don’t move them if they are conscious and complain of neck or back painc. Call an ambulance with para medics who will shift them in spine board to the nearest facility at the earliest.

If these fractures are stable then they are managed with medications, rest and support with simple braces for 6 weeks. Elderly individuals develop fractures even in low velocity injuries (as simple as forceful sitting) which also heal well if treated properly. Treatment choices include brace, cement augmentation procedures if they is delay in healing, stabilization if there is neurological deficit with deformity.

STABILIZATION WITH VERTEBROPLASTY