Traumatic conditions of DorsoLumbar spine Anatomy of Thoracic
Traumatic conditions of Dorso-Lumbar spine
Anatomy of Thoracic Spine n n n Kyphosis is natural alignment Narrow spinal canal Facet orientation Rib factor on stability Conus at T 12 -L 1
Anatomy of Lumbar Spine n n Lordosis is natural alignment Larger vertebral bodies Facet orientation Cauda equina
Thoracolumbar Junction Transition Zone Kyphosis Lordosis Mechanical Difference: Lumbar spine less stiff in flexion
Transition Zone: Predisposed to Failure Little opportunity force dispersion Central loading of T-L junction Not anatomically disposed to transfer force
Patient Evaluation n Pre-hospital care n EMT personnel Initial assessment n Transport and immobilization n
Patient Evaluation n n ABC’s of Trauma History Physical Examination Neurological Classification
Clinical Assessment n n n Inspection Palpation Neurological Evaluation n n ASIA Impairment Scale Sensory Evaluation Motor Evaluation Reflex Evaluation n Bulbocavernosus, Babinski
Clinical Assessment n Associated Injuries Meyer, 1984 – 28% have other major organ system injuries n Noncontiguous spine fractures 3 -56% n Always monitor Hematocrit n GU: Foley recommended, check post-void residuals, if abnormal get cystometrogram n GI: prepare for ileus. n
Radiographic Evaluation n Trauma series includes: lateral cervical, chest, lateral thoracic, A/P and lateral lumbar and A/P pelvis n Obtunded patients require further skeletal survey n CT scan – bony injuries n MRI – images spinal cord, intervertebral discs, ligamentous structures
Thoracolumbar Fractures Controversies CLASSIFICATION!!!!! Indications for surgery Optimal time for surgery Best approach for surgery
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS Convey information Produce treatment plan Monitor patient progress Research tool
Böhler 1930 n Importance of injury mechanism n 6 types of spinal fractures included in system • • • Compression Flexion Extension Lateral flexion Shear Torsional
DENIS 3 Column Classification Anterior - Ant 1/3 of disc /VB + ALL Middle - Post 1/3 of disc/VB + PLL Posterior - Post Elements
• Six types Mc. Afee Classification • CT based-100 patients • Middle column most important
AO Mechanistic Classification Complex subdivisions to include most fractures
Spinal Cord Injury Accurately Document Neurological Status Remember SPINAL SHOCK Prognosis of deficit at 48 hours
Spinal Cord Injury FRANKEL A B C D E No motor Motor(2 -3) Motor(4 -5) Normal No sensation Min. sensation Sensation Normal
Spinal Cord Injury A. S. I. A. A Complete - no motor or sensation B Incomplete - sensation, no motor C Incomplete - sensation, motor<3 D Incomplete - sensation, motor 3 E Normal
Spinal Cord Injury- Power MRC Grade 0 1 2 3 4 5 none visible contraction contracts, not against gravity contracts against gravity not resistance contracts against resistance normal
Treatment Spine Trauma Severity Score Determined by: n. Injury Morphology n. Neurology n. Ligamentous Integrity
Next Step - Direct TX Assign Points Conservative Surgery
Treatment n. Injuries with 3 points or less = non operative n. Injuries with 4 points=Nonop vs Op n. Injuries with 5 points or more = surgery
Non – Operative Treatment Options No treatment advice / restrict activity Spinal ‘immobilisation’ Bed rest Lumbar pillow / Log rolling Casting / Bracing Combination treatment
THE AIMS OF TREATMENT Prevent neurological deterioration Minimise spinal deformity Fracture healing Minimise complications Acceptable function
Complications Bed rest sequelae Respiratory compromise Worsening of deformity Neurological deterioration
THANK YOU
- Slides: 30