Spinal Fractures Flashcards
How are fractures usually classified?
I (stable), II (unstable), III (unstable)
What things factor into management of fractures?
fracture stability, alignment, neurologic involvement, age, compliance, etc
What are the most commonly injured areas of the spine?
lower cervical spine and thoracolumbar junction
2/3 involve C-spine
lower injuries common in adults, upper injuries in children
40% associated with neurologic involvement
What are the three columns of spine?
Anterior column: anterior longitudinal ligament, anterior 2/3 of vertebral body and annulus fibrosis
Middle column: posterior longitudinal ligament, posterior 1/3 of vertebral body and annulus
Posterior column: posterior ligament complex and vertebral arch structures
What is stability?
refers to immediate or subsequent risk of spinal cord and spinal nerve root injury
What makes an injury stable?
do not have significant bone or joint displacement; ligamentous structures remain in intact
What are examples of stable injuries?
compression fractures, traumatic disc herniations, unilateral facet dislocations
What makes an injury unstable?
show or have potential for significant displacement
What are examples of unstable injuries?
fracture dislocations, bilateral facet dislocations;
Fractures involving 1 column
stable
Fractures involving 3 columns
unstable
Fractures involving 2 columns
usually follow middle column, if it’s stable the injury is stable
What are causes of cervical fractures?
usually traumatic: MVA, fall, violence, sports, etc
How are cervical fractures grouped?
can be occipital cervical or subaxial (C3-C7)
What is the nature of cervical injuries?
usually avulsive or due to compression or impaction
What is outcome of cervical injuries?
high mortality above C4
relativelty large cord space compared to T and L spine
What are 4 treatment components of c spine injuries?
immobilization
ongoing neurological examination
imaging
stabilization
What are the two stabilization options?
Conservative: closed reduction, traction, bracing
Surgical: decompression, posterior and/or anterior fusion (posterior approach appears to offer increased stability)
What are 4 different braces used for conservative stabilization?
aspen 4 post
Halo
Miami J collar
Philadelphia collar
What are treatments for occipital condyle fracture?
Type I and II: cervical orthosis (6-8 wks) or halo (8-12 wks)
Type III: cervical orthosis is no AO instability, Halo if minimally displaced, Occ-C2 PSP if unstable (bilateral facet dislocation)
What is treatment for atlanto-occipital dislocation?
associated with spinal cord involvement
careful immobilization and reduction with positioning and halo
often require occ-C2 PSF
very rare to have and few survive
What is MOI for atlas fracture?
usually due to axial loading of the occiput: burst fracture of bilateral anterior and posterior arches
AKA jeffersons fracture
Are atlas fractures are associated with other injuries?
Yes. associated with other C-spine injuries, especially fracture of dens C2. Often accompanied by transverse ligament tear or avulsion fracture. rarely associated with neurologic injury
What is treatment for atlas fracture?
cervical orthosis if minimally displaced (2mm or if accompanied by other fractures
AA fusion if significant instability
What is cause of C2 (odontoid) fracture?
bimodal distribution of incidence: risk taking behavior in young population, osteoporosis in elderly population
What is C2 fracture associated with?
High non-union rates, other C spine fractures, 10% incidence of neurologic compromise