Thoracic/Lumbar Trauma Flashcards
what % of injuries happen at the TL junction
51% of all injuries
what factors predispose the TL junction to injury
Change from kyphotic to lordotic curve
loss of rib stability
how to determine intability (5)
- displaced fx affecting 2 or more columns
- Fracture/dislocation
- Post traumatic kyphosis >40
- Sternal fx
- RIb Fxs
indirect signs of instability
prevert hematoma mediastinal widening pleural fluid sternal fx rib fx
What indicated a pt should get a TL xray
pts w equivacal or positive clinical findings w altered lvls of consiousness
Compression fx MOI
hyperflex + axial load
Presentation of compression fx (and how u know its new)
Wedge shape VB
Disruption of ant column
new= step defect or zone of scelerosis
Burst fx moi
due to vertical compression force
how does a burst fx present
Vertical fx line
- likely disruption of georges line
- (treat as unstable untill mri)
what do u do with a stable and unstable burst fx
stable- refer to ER immediatly
Unstable- Stabalize + call 911
Presentation of pathological fx
Loss of ant and post VB height
have to corelate w trauma
Chance fx moi
flexion-distraction type injury
chance fx presentation
Post vert body will look wider
Split SP
May look like more sps than there should in AP
Post apopheseal ring fx moi
weakness in junction bw apophysis + VB
if mild just monitor
Syringohydromyelia moi and presentation
Cyst or cavity forms within spinal cord
from trauma, degen disk etc
tx- pain managment, pot. surg
