Spinal fractures are very serious injuries and can occur in a variety of high-velocity accidents, especially falls and high-speed auto accidents. These fractures can cause pinching, compressing, and even tearing of the spinal cord, and their treatment depends heavily on the type of fracture and the extent of the instability it causes.
Most spinal fractures occur in the mid-back (thoracic spine) and the lower back (lumbar spine), and they can also occur at the thoracolumbar junction where the two are connected. Studies show that men may be up to four times as likely as women to suffer fractures to the thoracic or lumbar spine, and senior citizens are also at high risk due to osteoporosis as well as weakening bones.
Fractures in the thoracic or lumbar spine are often associated with major trauma, as their damage to the spinal cord may lead to neural deficits in severe cases. Common symptoms of spinal fractures include:
– Numbness or tingling – Weakness – Neurogenic shock – Spinal shock, involving temporary loss of spinal reflex activity
There is a variety of spinal fractures which can occur at different areas of the spine, and most of these fall under three common categories: Flexion
– Axial burst fractures – These occur when height is lost on both sides of the vertebra and can be caused by landing on the feet after falling from a significant height. – Compression fractures – These occur when the front of the vertebra loses height and even breaks, but the back does not. These can be relatively stable and are rarely associated with neurological damage. Extension – Flexion/distraction fractures – These involve pulling-apart of the vertebrae and can occur in head-on auto collisions when the upper body is forced forward while the pelvis remains stabilized in the seat. Rotation – Fracture dislocations – These are unstable injuries which involve both bone/s and soft tissue and may result in displacing of the vertebrae and compression of the spinal cord. – Transverse process fractures – These are uncommon, but usually do not affect stability and result from either rotation or severe lateral bending in the spine.
There are also many complications associated with thoracic and lumbar spine fractures. Among the most deadly are severe blood clots, which can potentially lead to immobility or travel to the lungs and cause fatal pulmonary embolisms. Common complications include pressure sores and pneumonia, while specific surgical complications can include bleeding, infections, and spinal fluid leaks. There is, of course, available medication to protect against clots and mechanical techniques, such as leg compression stockings, are used to mitigate other complications.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
