Spine Trauma

Central cord syndrome typically is associated with a significant trauma to the head or neck causing injury to the cervical spinal cord. Patients with this condition may suffer from weakness or numbness in the arms and legs. Often times, a spine operation is necessary to prevent further injury to the nervous system. Patients with central cord syndrome will commonly be treated in a neurological intensive care unit and may benefit from rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Read more about Central cord syndrome on the AANS website.

Spinal cord injury refers to damage of the spinal cord, which is commonly the result of a traumatic injury. This condition can affect patients in many ways including weakness and numbness of their arms and legs. Depending the nature of the injury, a spine operation may be necessary to protect the patient from further spinal cord damage. Patients with spinal cord injury will commonly be treated in a neurological intensive care unit and may benefit from rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Read more about Spinal cord injury on the AANS website.

Compression fracture refers to a type of vertebra (spine bone) injury. Simply put, the vertebra is compressed or crushed. Sometimes this injury heals on its own without the need for bracing or surgery. Other times, because of chronic pain, spinal instability, or injury to nearby nerves, a operation is necessary. There are a wide variety of compression fractures causing including trauma and weak bones (osteoporosis). This condition can affect most of the spinal column and is commonly asses by medical imaging, which may including X-rays and MRI.

Read more about Compression fracture on the AANS website.

During high-energy traumatic accidents, for example motor vehicle crashes, the spinal column may be injured and destabilized. In this situation, spinal instability may lead to many symptoms including severe pain, inability to walk, or weakness of the arms. Treatment for this set of conditions may include bracing or spinal stabilization surgery, including minimally invasive spine surgery. A neurosurgeon will commonly use the circumstances of the accident, a physical exam, and medical imaging (X-rays, MRI) to determine the appropriate treatment course.