Vertebral fracture/luxation

Question 1

Cause? What will this result in?

Answer 1

• vertebral fracture/luxation requires significant trauma unless there is a pathological
• it will result in an acute onset of CS associated with the trauma, which may then be exacerbated by movement of unstable structures (i.e. when manipulated under GA for imaging)

Question 2

Diagnosis

Answer 2

• if trauma induced fracture/luxation is suspected then consider conscious radiography if appropriate and feasible to achieve a diagnosis

Question 3

Tx

Answer 3

• stable spinal fractures without displacement may be managed conservatively
• unstable fractures, or fracture/luxations with significant displacement, may required surgical intervention for realignment and stabilisation

Question 4

Prognosis

Answer 4

• determined by the degree of concussion, compression or laceration damage sustained by the spinal cord