Spinal Fractures

Description

The video transcript discusses spinal fractures, their causes, classifications, types, mechanisms of injury, clinical signs, imaging techniques, and management principles. Nick Birch explains that spinal fractures can occur due to trauma or conditions that weaken vertebrae, such as osteoporosis and tumors. They may be classified as stable or unstable, with unstable fractures posing a risk for neurological injury. Common classification systems, such as AO spine, Denis, and TLICS, are used to assess these fractures based on morphology and stability, focusing particularly on the spinal column's structure.



The transcript details various types of spinal fractures, including compression fractures and burst fractures, describing how different mechanisms of injury—like axial compression and flexion/extension—can lead to distinct fracture patterns. Signs of a fracture typically include localized pain, potential neurological deficits, and observable deformities.



Imaging is critical for diagnosis; initial X-rays followed by CT scans provide details on bony involvement, while MRI evaluates soft tissue damage including the spinal cord and nerves. Treatment focuses on stabilizing the fracture, with immobilization and conservative management for stable cases, while unstable fractures may necessitate surgical intervention such as stabilization, fusion, or decompression.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-251106

Specialties