Spine Trauma
Spinal trauma is an injury to the vertebrae (bones of the spine) or the spinal cord (tissue containing the nerves). Such trauma is usually serious and urgent and can lead to partial or complete paralysis, pain, numbness and other neurological symptoms.
Causes of Spine Trauma
Traumatic Injuries: Injuries caused by falling from a height, being hit by a vehicle or sudden impact from an accident, contact sports (such as soccer, hockey) or high-risk activities (skiing, diving).
Medical Conditions: Diseases such as osteoporosis can cause the vertebrae to weaken and fracture due to tumors or infection.
High Energy Injuries: Situations such as falling from a height or falling on heavy objects.
Work Accidents Accidents at work, such as heavy lifting or working in the wrong position,
Symptoms of Spine Trauma
- Sudden and severe pain in the back or neck,
- Difficulty moving the spine,
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs,
- In some cases, paralysis or loss of motor function,
- Abnormal changes in posture or appearance,
- Loss of urinary or fecal control,
- Confusion or dizziness,
- Symptoms of shock, such as a drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing.
Spine Trauma Treatment
- Emergency Intervention: It is important not to move the injured person and to immobilize the spine.
- Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is important during the healing process to restore mobility and increase muscle strength.
- Surgical Intervention: In the case of severe spinal cord injuries or vertebral fractures, surgical intervention may be required. This is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, provide stabilization or repair damaged structures.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy after surgery is an important part of the recovery process and improves mobility.
What to Know About Spine Trauma Surgery
It is a surgical intervention performed with microsurgical methods to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, repair damaged tissues and stabilize the spine. Microsurgical spine trauma surgery usually takes between 2 and 6 hours. The duration of surgery may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury and the techniques used by the surgeon. Patients usually stay in hospital for a shorter period of 1-3 days after microsurgery.
| Operation Duration | Anesthesia | Hospitalization | Recovery Time | Return to Work |
2-6 Hours | General Anesthesia | 2 Days | 3 Weeks | 10 Days |