While the summer months bring summer accidents, especially spinal fractures are among the most common reasons for hospitalization during these months. If these disorders are not treated in a timely and correct manner, the injured person may suffer irreversible damage. Prof. Dr. Mahmut Akyüz from the Department of Brain, Nerve, Spine and Spinal Cord at Memorial Antalya Hospital gave information about what to do in case of spinal fractures.
Damage to the spine may not show symptoms for years
Regardless of the cause, fractures and shifts in the bones of the spine cause rupture of the discs that act as a suspension between the bones or damage to the muscles and connective tissues that hold the entire spine together, Akyüz said, “This situation brings along injuries to the spinal cord, which is extremely sensitive. Accordingly, in addition to causing partial or complete paralysis, it triggers the formation of pain. Even if there is no damage to the spinal cord and nerves after such traumas, disorders such as slipping, curvature and hunchback in the spine and neck and lumbar herniated discs can occur within a period of 5-10 years.”
If there is tingling in the hands and feet
Stating that spinal traumas most commonly occur in the upper part of the neck, which is the command center of many vital organs such as the lung muscles, in the area between the back and lower back and in the lower back, Akyüz said, “Severe pain, tenderness, tingling in the hands or feet, numbness or loss of strength in the area of damage after trauma may be a harbinger of spinal cord damage. In patients with such suspected fractures, it is possible to make a definitive diagnosis with neurological examination, radiological examinations such as direct x-ray, tomography and MRI. It should be noted that such fractures may have been caused by trauma even if they do not give any symptoms and auxiliary radiological examinations must be performed.”
Spine fracture can also be multi-segmental
Stating that the aim of all treatment methods is to prevent further damage to the spinal cord and nerves by fixing the broken bones, to protect body functions, and to prevent future slippage, curvature and collapse of the spine, Akyüz said, “With the techniques developed in recent years, the majority of spinal fractures can be treated by repairing the broken part with a needle. In this method, a needle is inserted into the broken bone and the broken bone is restored with a balloon at the end. The resulting cavity is filled with artificial bone cement and the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day. This method, which allows the patient to return to normal life quickly, is very effective. If the fracture of the spinal bone is comminuted, open surgery may be necessary to prevent possible spinal cord damage. In this procedure, the spinal bone is supported with metal screws and rods. In addition, in appropriate patients, such a surgical intervention can also be performed laparoscopically, as in needle fracture repair.”
The first hours are vital
Stating that since damage to the spinal cord can occur during unconscious transportation of the patient after an accident, an accident victim with suspected spine and spinal cord injury should not be moved in place until the arrival of medical personnel, Akyüz said, “In cases where it is very necessary to move the patient, it is recommended to keep the patient lying flat on his/her back and move him/her to a safe area with the help of 3-4 people. It should not be forgotten that the most important point in spinal fractures is the protection of the spinal cord and nerves passing through it rather than the broken spine or bone.”
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