Spine Fractues And Spinal Cord Injuries

A developing country like India is experiencing significant industrialization and urbanization, which has led to vast changes in socioeconomic values. These rapid changes have contributed to an increase in road traffic accidents (RTAs), becoming a public hazard to millions of human lives and their safety. Injuries on the road, at home, and in the workplace have risen, making them a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide.

At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we specialize in the treatment of spine fractures and spinal cord injuries, providing comprehensive care and advanced treatment options to improve patient outcomes.

Understanding Spine Fractures and Spinal Cord Injuries

Spine injuries range from minor ligamentous injuries to major vertebral fractures, sometimes leading to devastating spinal cord injuries. Patients with major spine injuries may also suffer from chest or abdominal trauma. Injuries to blood vessels surrounding the spinal vertebral body can lead to vascular dissections, causing paralysis of the limbs. Apart from road traffic accidents, falls from heights, sports injuries, diving accidents, assaults, and gunshots can result in spine fractures and spinal cord injuries. It’s crucial to consider spine fractures in head-injured patients, as cervical spine/neck injuries may coexist and should not be overlooked. Spine injuries affect motor movements of the limbs due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots by fractured bone chips or discs, leading to quadriplegia or paraplegia.

Management at the Site of Injury

The major causes of death in spinal cord injuries are aspiration and shock. Proper assessment and management at the injury site are critical. The priority is to secure the airway, followed by breathing and blood circulation. Any patient meeting the following criteria should be treated as having a spinal cord injury until proven otherwise:

1. Victims of significant trauma
2. Trauma patients with loss of consciousness
3. Minor trauma patients with neck or back pain, tenderness, tingling, numbness, or limb weakness
4. Patients with an abnormal abdominal breathing pattern

Immobilization with Support from Paramedics

1. Log-Roll Patient for Turning: Ensure the patient is turned carefully to prevent further injury.
2. Place Patient on a Back-Board: This helps in immobilizing the spine.
3. Sandbags on Either Side of the Head: Use a 3-inch strip of adhesive tape across the forehead to immobilize the spine while allowing jaw movement and airway access.
4. Rigid Cervical Collar: Use as a supplement to further stabilize the neck.
5. Maintain Blood Pressure and Oxygenation: Paramedics provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) as needed and ensure the patient is adequately oxygenated. Endotracheal intubation may be necessary.

At the Hospital

Upon arrival at Hannah Joseph Hospital, the patient undergoes a CT or MRI scan of the spine. These imaging studies are crucial for assessing the extent of the injury and planning the appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

1. Medical Management: For minor injuries, analgesics (painkillers) are administered.
2. Surgical Treatment: Severe injuries may require surgical intervention for decompression and spinal fixation/stabilization using titanium implants.
3. Intravenous Steroids: In cases of spinal cord injury, treatment with intravenous steroids (Methyl Prednisolone) can aid in the recovery of paralyzed limbs if administered within the Golden Hour.

The outcome and prognosis depend on the severity of the injury, the timing of treatment initiation (earlier is better), and the patient’s age and comorbid status.

Comprehensive Care at Hannah Joseph Hospital

At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we provide advanced treatment options and comprehensive care for patients with spine fractures and spinal cord injuries. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Post-Operative Care and Rehabilitation

Recovery from spinal injuries often involves a combination of medical and surgical treatments followed by extensive rehabilitation. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support post-operative care and rehabilitation, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Trust Hannah Joseph Hospital for Expert Care

Spine fractures and spinal cord injuries can have life-altering consequences, but with prompt and appropriate treatment, patients can achieve significant recovery. At Hannah Joseph Hospital, we are committed to providing expert care and personalized treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs.

If you or a loved one has experienced a spine fracture or spinal cord injury, trust Hannah Joseph Hospital for comprehensive, compassionate care. Our team of specialists is here to support you every step of the way, from initial diagnosis to recovery and rehabilitation. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to recovery.