Spine Fracture & Spinal Cord Injury: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options 

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function, sensation, or movement. This can occur as a result of a spine fracture, where the broken bone damages the spinal cord. The severity and location of the injury will determine the extent of functional loss.

What is spine fracture?

 A spine fracture, also known as a vertebral fracture, is a break or crack in one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. This can occur in any part of the spine, from the neck (cervical spine) to the lower back (lumbar spine). Spine fractures can range from small hairline cracks to more severe breaks that cause the vertebrae to collapse.

Types of Spinal Cord injury:

Spinal cord injuries can be classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means that there is no function or sensation below the level of the injury. In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is still some function and sensation below the level of injury.

Types of spinal cord injury by location:

1. Cervical spinal cord injury: This type of injury occurs in the neck region and can result in paralysis of the arms, legs, and trunk. It can also affect breathing and other bodily functions. Injuries to the cervical spine can be especially dangerous as they can affect a large portion of the body.
2. Thoracic spinal cord injury: This type of injury occurs in the upper back and can result in paralysis of the legs and trunk. It can also affect bowel and bladder control. 
3. Lumbar spinal cord injury: This type of injury occurs in the lower back and can result in paralysis of the legs and affect bowel and bladder control. 
4. Sacral spinal cord injury: This type of injury occurs at the base of the spine and can result in loss of sensation and function in the legs and feet. 
5. Cauda equina syndrome: This is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the spinal cord is compressed at the base of the spine, resulting in loss of sensation and function in the legs and feet. 
6. Spinal cord concussion: This is a temporary injury to the spinal cord, often caused by a blow to the spine. It can result in symptoms similar to a complete spinal cord injury, but with a quicker recovery time.
7. Central cord syndrome: This type of injury occurs when there is damage to the center of the spinal cord, resulting in weakness or paralysis in the arms and hands. 
8. Brown-Sequard syndrome: This is a rare type of spinal cord injury where there is damage to only one side of the spinal cord, resulting in weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and loss of sensation on the other. 
9. Anterior cord syndrome: This type of injury occurs when there is damage to the front of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of sensation and motor function below the level of the injury. 
10. Posterior cord syndrome: This type of injury occurs when there is damage to the back of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of sensation and coordination below the level of the injury.

What are the symptoms of a spinal cord injury?

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include: 

1. Loss of movement: This can range from partial paralysis to complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. 
2. Loss of sensation: This can include numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in different parts of the body. 
3. Difficulty breathing: Injuries to the cervical spine can affect the muscles used for breathing, making it difficult to breathe on your own. 
4. Loss of bowel and bladder control: Damage to the spinal cord can affect the nerves that control bowel and bladder function, leading to incontinence.
5. Spasms or exaggerated reflexes: Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the brain and muscles, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions.
6. Changes in sexual function: Spinal cord injuries can affect sexual function and may result in loss of sensation or difficulty achieving orgasm.
7. Pain or intense stinging sensations: Some people with spinal cord injuries may experience pain or intense stinging sensations in the affected area.
8. Difficulty with balance and coordination: Injuries to the spinal cord can also affect balance and coordination, making it difficult to walk or perform other physical tasks.
9. Changes in blood pressure and heart rate: Damage to the spinal cord can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and heart rate, leading to low blood pressure or irregular heart rate. 
10. Difficulty with daily activities: Depending on the severity of the injury, a spinal cord injury can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, or feeding oneself.

 Complications of the spinal cord injuries:

1. Paralysis: Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting movement and sensation in different parts of the body. There can be certain forms of paralysis:
   1. Paraplegia: This is paralysis of the lower body, including the legs and pelvic organs. 
   2. Quadriplegia (also known as tetraplegia): This is paralysis of both the arms and legs, as well as the trunk and pelvic organs. 
2. Loss of bladder and bowel control: Damage to the spinal cord can affect the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, leading to incontinence and potential complications such as urinary tract infections. 
3. Respiratory problems: Injuries to the cervical spine can affect the muscles used for breathing, leading to difficulty breathing and potential respiratory complications. 
4. Pressure sores: Prolonged immobility due to paralysis or limited mobility can result in pressure sores, which can be painful and increase the risk of infection. 
5. Muscle atrophy: Lack of movement and exercise can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, making it difficult to perform daily activities. 
6. Blood clots: People with spinal cord injuries are 4 times more likely to develop blood clots, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs or brain. 
7. Autonomic dysreflexia: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in people with spinal cord injuries

The above complications can be prevented by immediate diagnosis and treatment as well as proper management of the injury. Consult with Dr Rajesh Verma, renowned as the best spine surgeon in gurgaon and delhi NCR for proper diagnosis, treatment and management of spinal cord injuries. 

Major causes of Spinal cord injury:

• Trauma: The most common cause of spinal cord injuries is trauma, such as from a car accident, fall, or sports injury. 
• Diseases: Certain diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, and spinal cord tumors, can also cause damage to the spinal cord. 
• Infections: Infections such as meningitis, polio, and herpes can cause inflammation and damage to the spinal cord.
• Congenital conditions: Some people are born with spinal cord abnormalities that can lead to spinal cord injuries.
• Degenerative conditions: Conditions such as spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disease can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the spinal cord, leading to injury.
• Medical procedures: Surgical complications or medical procedures, such as spinal injections or epidurals, can also result in spinal cord injuries.
• Violence: Acts of violence, such as gunshot or knife wounds, can cause damage to the spinal cord.
• Alcohol and drug use: Alcohol and drug use can lead to accidents or risky behavior that can result in spinal cord injuries.
• Sports injuries: High-impact sports such as football, rugby, and hockey can also result in spinal cord injuries.
• Falls: Falls are a common cause of spinal cord injuries, especially in older adults.

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury:

Treatment for a spinal cord injury depends on the severity and location of the injury. In most cases, immediate medical attention is necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage. Treatment options may include: 

1. Immobilization: The first step in treating a spinal cord injury is to immobilize the spine to prevent any further damage. This may involve using a neck collar or backboard to keep the spine in a stable position. 
2. Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications such as blood clots. 
3. Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is an important part of treating a spinal cord injury. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of therapy to help regain function and improve quality of life. 
4. Assistive devices: Depending on the extent of the injury, assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, and other equipment may be necessary to help with mobility and daily activities 
5. Counseling: Spinal cord injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Counseling and support groups may be helpful in coping with the emotional effects of the injury. 
6. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove any fragments of bone, foreign objects, or damaged tissue from the spinal cord. In some cases, surgery may also be used to stabilize the spine and reduce pressure on the spinal cord. 

Types of Surgical Treatment for Trauma-related spinal cord injury:

1. Decompression surgery: This type of surgery involves removing any damaged tissue or foreign objects from the spinal cord to relieve pressure and reduce swelling. 
2. Spinal fusion: In cases where the spinal column is unstable, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary to fuse two or more vertebrae together to provide stability. 
3. Laminectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. 
4. Cervical traction: In this procedure, weights are used to gently stretch the neck and spine, reducing pressure on the spinal cord. 

Types of surgical treatment for non-traumatic related spinal cord injury: 

1. Disc replacement: This surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged or degenerated disc in the spine with an artificial disc to restore stability and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. 
2. Foraminotomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of the bone or tissue around a nerve root to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. 
3. Corpectomy: In this procedure, a portion of the vertebra is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. 
4. Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty: These procedures involve injecting a bone cement into fractured vertebrae to stabilize the spine and relieve pain. 
5. Epidural steroid injections: In this treatment, a corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 
6. Electrical stimulation: In some cases, electrical stimulation may be used to stimulate nerves and muscles in the affected area to improve function and relieve pain. 
7. Stem cell therapy: This is an experimental treatment that involves injecting stem cells into the spinal cord to promote healing and repair damaged tissue.
8. Robotic surgery: This innovative technique uses a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in performing delicate and precise surgeries on the spine.

Here is a Success Story shared by Dr Rajesh Verma