Spinal Injuries Real Flashcards by Okegbenro Arafat

What is the most common cause of spine injury?

Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)

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What is the most commonly affected spinal region in spine injuries?

Cervical spine (C4, C5, C6)

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What are the three main components of the spine?

Vertebrae, spinal cord, and supporting structures (muscles, ligaments, discs)

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What are the two main types of spine injuries?

Primary and Secondary injuries

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What is the difference between stable and unstable spine injuries?

Stable injuries involve one spinal column, whereas unstable injuries involve more than one column.

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What are the three Denis columns?

Anterior, Middle, and Posterior columns

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What is Whiplash injury?

Rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, causing muscle, ligament, and disc injuries.

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What is Spondylolisthesis?

Forward (anterolisthesis) or backward (retrolisthesis) slippage of a vertebra over another.

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Name two unstable cervical fractures.

Hangman’s fracture and Jefferson’s fracture

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What is a Hangman’s fracture?

A fracture of the pars interarticularis of C2 due to hyperextension.

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What is a Jefferson fracture?

A burst fracture of the C1 vertebra due to axial loading.

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What type of force causes a Chance fracture?

Flexion-distraction injury, often seen in seatbelt injuries.

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What are the types of Odontoid fractures?

Type I (stable), Type II (unstable), Type III (stable/unstable).

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What is the most common site of spinal cord injury?

Cervical spine

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What are the types of spinal cord injuries?

Complete and Incomplete injuries

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What is the most common incomplete spinal cord syndrome?

Central cord syndrome

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What is Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Loss of motor function, pain, and temperature below injury due to anterior spinal artery damage.

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What is Posterior Cord Syndrome?

Loss of proprioception, vibration, and fine touch due to posterior spinal artery damage.

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What is Brown-Sequard Syndrome?

Hemisection of the spinal cord causing ipsilateral motor and proprioception loss and contralateral pain and temperature loss.

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What is Conus Medullaris Syndrome?

Injury to the conus medullaris causing lower limb weakness, sphincter dysfunction, and saddle anesthesia.

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What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Compression of the cauda equina, leading to lower motor neuron signs and a surgical emergency.

What is spinal shock?

Temporary loss of spinal cord function below the level of injury.

What is neurogenic shock?

Loss of sympathetic tone leading to hypotension, bradycardia, and warm skin.

What is the first step in managing a suspected spinal injury?

Cervical spine stabilization

What is the standard grading system for spinal cord injury?

American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale and Frankel grade

What imaging is best for detecting spinal fractures?

CT scan

What imaging is best for assessing spinal cord and soft tissue injuries?

MRI

What are the key elements of the ATLS approach to spine injuries?

Airway protection, Breathing support, Circulation management, Disability assessment, and Exposure control

What is the initial treatment for neurogenic shock?

IV fluids, vasopressors (phenylephrine, noradrenaline)

What is the role of a rigid cervical collar?

To stabilize the cervical spine and prevent further injury.

What are the key complications of spinal injuries?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pressure ulcers, pneumonia, urinary retention, contractures.

What is the main goal of spinal injury rehabilitation?

To restore function and improve quality of life.

What is the primary goal of spine surgery in trauma cases?

Decompression, stabilization, and realignment.

What are TLSO braces used for?

Thoracolumbosacral orthosis for spinal stabilization.

What is the key feature of a Clay-Shoveler fracture?

Fracture of the spinous process of C6, C7, or T1 due to hyperflexion.

What is the purpose of the Babinski reflex test in spine injury evaluation?

To assess upper motor neuron function.

What are the major risk factors for spine injury?

High-speed trauma, falls, sports injuries, assault.

What type of bleed is most common in spinal cord injuries?

Extradural hemorrhage.

What is the most common presenting symptom of a spinal cord injury?

Motor and sensory deficits below the level of injury.

Why is DVT prophylaxis important in spinal cord injury patients?

Immobility increases the risk of clot formation.

What is the role of corticosteroids in spinal cord injuries?

Historically used, but now controversial due to risks.

What is the common management strategy for stable vertebral fractures?

Conservative management with bracing and physiotherapy.

What does a positive Romberg sign indicate?

Loss of proprioception, suggestive of posterior cord syndrome.

What is the significance of the bulbocavernosus reflex in spinal shock?

Its return indicates resolution of spinal shock.

What is the common mechanism of burst fractures?

Axial loading.

What is a teardrop fracture?

A severe, unstable flexion injury causing vertebral body fragment displacement.

What is the key sign of conus medullaris syndrome?

Mixed upper and lower motor neuron signs.

What is the importance of the anal wink reflex in spine injury?

Indicates sacral spinal cord integrity.

What is the most common cause of non-traumatic spinal injuries?

Degenerative diseases.

What are the future trends in spinal cord injury treatment?

Stem cell therapy, nerve regeneration, transplantation.