Eshealthtips.com – There are several types of surgery for Shattered Vertebrae. Surgical intervention is used to repair broken vertebrae and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. However, this procedure isn’t for everyone. You must consult your doctor if you are suffering from this condition. The best treatment depends on the severity of your injury and the condition of the surrounding structures. Listed below are some treatments for Shattered Vertebrae.
The Most Serious Spine Fractures
A burst fracture involves the shattered vertebra on all four sides. This type of fracture is considered one of the most serious spinal fractures because the shards of bone can enter the spinal canal and affect the functions of the body. It’s also known as an oreo cookie fracture. Imaging tests and surgery may be needed to diagnose and treat this condition. This fracture is common but requires immediate medical care.
After the accident, Evan was found by EMTs. He was transported to the nearest hospital. A scan revealed that Evan’s spine was broken and that his spinal cord had dislocated. Evan’s doctor at UC Davis Health performed emergency surgery and reconstructed his spine. Evan says that the lowest point of his spine was the spinal cord. However, this doesn’t mean that the injury is irreversible.
While a broken bone may cause a rash or bruising, spinal fractures can damage the nerves in the back and compress the spinal cord. A traumatic accident usually causes these fractures. Shattered Vertebrae often result from a fall, car accident, sports injury, or gunshot. The resulting pain and spinal cord damage can be debilitating. In severe cases, surgery is often required to realign the bones and correct the fracture.
Types of Fractures Caused by Cancer
In some cases, metastatic cancer has spread to the spine, causing a vertebral fracture. A compression fracture of the vertebra can indicate the undiagnosed spread of cancer. When a vertebra collapses, it shows weakness and eventual collapse of the bone. If this type of fracture has been caused by cancer, it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to prevent further complications from occurring.
X-rays are the first step in the diagnosis. Shattered Vertebrae may also result in osteoporosis. In either case, your doctor will order a CT scan. This type of scan allows the doctor to see the changes in the bone structure. MRI may also be ordered to evaluate ligaments, intervertebral discs, and the spinal cord. If this is the case, your doctor will probably recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
Besides a compression fracture, an axial burst fracture is also a type of vertebral fracture. These fractures can limit your ability to bend forward. You may also experience back pain or limb pain. This type of fracture can even make you shorter! You may also experience numbness in your limbs or even spinal cord injury. You may even be shortened after your injury because the fracture fragments can enter the spinal canal.
Surgery to Repair Spine Fractures
Surgery to repair Shattered Vertebrae can take many forms. You can opt for minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. These surgeries take as little as one to two hours, depending on the severity of your injury. A local anesthetic is usually used, although some patients may also be given IV sedation. During surgery, your surgeon will use an x-ray to guide the procedure. Bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra using a small needle. The bone cement will harden quickly, and experts believe that this treatment provides relief from pain.
The vertebral column is composed of 33 bones, which are joined together by articulations. They protect the spinal cord and provide structure and support for the limbs. The word vertebrae come from the Latin word meaning “joint” or “to turn”. Each vertebra is formed through fusion of adjacent sclerotomes. It also contains a thin layer of cartilage, called the endplates. The endplates provide nutrients for the spinal cord.
Reference:
