Spinal fractures are disastrous, and can cause severe complications, including paralysis and even a severely reduced lifespan, but fracture fixation procedures can be utilized to provide pain relief, restore mobility and increase the quality of life. Spinal fractures can be caused by a number of events, but most are “high energy” events that cause massive trauma. To learn more about spinal fracture fixation and options available for treatment, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling 407-303-5452.

Possible Causes of Spinal Fractures

Spinal fracture fixation is often necessary after accidents and injuries. The most common causes of fracturing to the thoracic spine include car accidents, gunshot wounds, falling from heights (ladders and scaffolding, for instance), as well as sports injuries. All of these involve high-energy impacts to the spine.

Types of Spinal Fractures

Like other areas of the body, the spine can be subject to multiple types of fracturing depending on the velocity of the impact, the size of the impacting body, the shape of the impacting body (flat, rounded, pointed, etc.) and other factors.

  • Fracture-Dislocation – This is one of the most serious forms of thoracic spine fracturing, and can cause severe spinal compression. In this instance, the fractured vertebra moves away from the adjacent vertebra and puts pressure on the spinal cord.
  • Flexion Fracture Pattern – This is a type of compression fracture in which the vertebra loses height due to breakage.
  • Axial Burst Fracture – Generally caused by falling and landing on the feet, this type of compression fracture sees the vertebrae lose height on both the front and rear.
  • Rotation Fracture Pattern – Sideways bending and extreme rotation of the spine are the usual causes of this type of fracturing (though it is an uncommon fracture).
  • Extension Fracture Pattern – Extension fractures are very common in auto accident victims where the upper body is thrown forward, hyper-extending the spine.

Spinal Fixation Treatment Options Differ for Patients

Spinal fixation requires the use of special instrumentation. Dr. Chetan Patel can install a variety of different spinal fixation instruments to treat any of the above mentioned spinal fractures, including minimally invasive hardware that only requires a minor incision to biologic sponge blocks, as well as the more traditional rods, screws and plates common to spinal surgery.

Healing after Fracture Fixation Surgery

The healing time for each patient will vary based on their individual case. Severe fracturing requiring substantial implementation will obviously require longer healing times than minor fracturing requiring only minimally invasive treatments to correct the damage. A full consultation with a surgeon is required in order to ensure that surgery is the right choice of treatment. Dr. Chetan Patel will use x-rays, CT scans and other advanced imaging techniques to determine the exact type of fracture and the severity of damage. Following this, a determination of the best course of action will be made.

To learn more about spinal fracture fixation treatment and your various options, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling 407-303-5452.