Spine Fractures: A Critical Emergency
By Dr. VijayKumar D | SV Ortho Care

Spinal fractures are among the most serious orthopedic injuries. The spine’s bony structure protects the delicate spinal cord. Any fracture to this "bony cage" can put the nerves or spinal cord at risk, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis.

🚨 What Causes Spine Fractures?
Falls from height

Road traffic accidents

Trivial trauma in people with:

Osteoporosis

Bone tumors

Other pathological conditions

🔍 How Dangerous Are These Fractures?
If the fracture is unstable or causes pressure on the spinal cord, it can result in:

Weakness or paralysis of limbs

Loss of sensation

Bowel/bladder dysfunction

In severe cases: life-threatening complications

🧠 Types of Spine Fractures
Stable Fractures

Lower risk of nerve damage

Usually treated non-surgically

Unstable Fractures or Fractures with Neurological Deficit

Require emergency surgery

Goal: Stabilize the spine and relieve spinal cord pressure

🛏️ Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management
For stable fractures:

Bed rest for 2–3 days (or up to 3 weeks based on pattern)

Brace support for 2–3 months

Regular follow-up with X-rays

🔩 When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is advised in:

Unstable fractures

Fractures with spinal cord/nerve compression

Progressive neurological deficits

Surgical goals:
✅ Stabilize the fractured vertebrae using special titanium screws
✅ Relieve pressure on the spinal cord through decompression techniques

Most patients begin walking within 48 hours after stabilization.

Neurological recovery depends on severity of the injury—the lesser the nerve damage at the time of injury, the better the recovery after surgery.

🦿 Why Early Mobilization Is Critical
Delays in treatment or prolonged immobility can lead to:

Pneumonia

Bed sores

Blood clots (DVT)

Urinary tract infections

Loss of muscle tone and balance

Hence, early stabilization and mobilization are life-saving.

📸 Imaging Evidence
At SV Ortho Care, we utilize:

X-rays

CT scans

MRI scans
To accurately classify the fracture and guide treatment.

Example Case:
📍 Unstable Burst Fracture of D12 Vertebra
🔩 Titanium screw stabilization
✅ Restoration of spine alignment & mobility

(Include captioned images:

Pre-op CT/X-ray of burst fracture

Post-op image showing titanium screw fixation)

👨‍⚕️ Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. VijayKumar D, renowned spine consultant at SV Ortho Care, specializes in managing complex spinal trauma with state-of-the-art techniques and personalized rehabilitation protocols.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, seek immediate evaluation. Timely intervention saves lives—and prevents permanent disability.