spinal fracture in Tunisia
Definition of Spinal Fracture
Spinal fractures can vary considerably in severity. While some fractures are very serious injuries that require emergency treatment, other fractures can be the result of bones weakened by osteoporosis. Most spinal fractures occur in the thoracic spine (mid-back) and lumbar spine (lower back) or at the connection of the two (thoracolumbar junction). Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and whether the patient has other associated injuries.
Description
There are different types of spinal fractures. Doctors classify fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine according to the specific pattern of the fracture and the presence of spinal cord injury. The classification of the fracture pattern will help your doctor determine the appropriate treatment. The three main types of spinal fracture patterns are:
Flexion.
Extension.
Rotation.
Treatments
Treatment of a thoracic or lumbar spine fracture will depend on:
Other injuries and their treatment
The particular fracture pattern
Once the trauma team has stabilized all other life-threatening injuries, the doctor will evaluate the spinal fracture pattern and decide whether spine surgery is necessary.
Surgical Operation for Spinal Fracture
The ultimate goals of surgery are as follows:
Achieve adequate reduction (put the bones back into their proper position)
Relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
Allow early movement
Depending on the fracture pattern, the doctor may perform the procedure through an anterior (front), lateral (side), or posterior (back) approach - or a combination of all three.
There are many types of specialized instruments used in spine surgery. These include metal screws, rods, and cages used to stabilize the spine.
Complications
Complications associated with thoracic and lumbar spine fractures include:
Blood clots in the pelvis and legs - these can develop during long periods of bed rest or immobility
Pulmonary embolism - a blood clot that breaks free and travels to the lungs
Pneumonia
Pressure sores
There are also specific complications associated with spine surgery. These include:
Bleeding
Infection
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Instrument failure
Non-union
Your doctor will discuss these risks with you and take specific steps to avoid potential complications. These measures may include:
Early treatment
Mechanical methods (such as compression stockings for legs) and medications to protect against blood clots
Proper surgical technique
Postoperative programs
Results
Whether treatment is surgical or non-surgical, there will be a period of rehabilitation after healing from a fracture. The goals of rehabilitation include:
Reduce pain
Restore mobility
Return the patient as closely as possible to their pre-injury condition
Your doctor may recommend both inpatient and outpatient physical therapies to help you achieve these goals.
If your fracture was caused by osteoporosis, you are at increased risk for additional fractures. Your doctor will recommend treatments to address bone density loss during your treatment and recovery.
In some cases, problems may delay or complicate rehabilitation and recovery. These problems include inadequate reduction of the fracture, neurological injuries (paralysis), and progressive spinal deformity.