Spinal Injuries

What is a spinal injury?

Spinal injuries are traumatic or degenerative conditions that impact the spinal cord, vertebrae, or surrounding structures. These injuries can severely affect an individual’s ability to move, control bodily functions, and maintain a high-quality of life. At EndoSpine, we’re dedicated to providing patients with cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques through endoscopic spinal surgery. This approach offers enhanced precision, faster recovery, and minimised risks compared to traditional open surgery.

Spinal injuries by type

• Herniated disc: This occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through its tough outer layer, pressing nearby nerves and causing localised pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Dislocation: A spinal dislocation happens when one vertebra shifts completely out of alignment. It often results from trauma and can cause intense pain and nerve compression.
• Subluxation: A partial dislocation of a vertebra, subluxation involves a minor misalignment that can cause pain and stiffness.
• Fracture-dislocation: A severe injury involving both a spinal fracture and dislocation, this condition often results in instability and can lead to paralysis if the spinal cord is affected.
• Whiplash: Commonly resulting from rear-end collisions, whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden flexion and extension. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Nerve root injuries: These injuries occur when nerve roots are compressed, often due to trauma or herniated discs. They can cause sharp pain and numbness along the affected nerve path.
• Spinal fracture: A break in one or more vertebrae, spinal fractures range from stable (less severe) to unstable (high risk of spinal cord injury).

Spinal injuries by severity

Incomplete spinal injury

An incomplete spinal injury occurs when the spinal cord is partially damaged, preserving some level of function below the injury site. Patients may retain varying degrees of sensation or motor control, depending on the injury’s extent and location. With prompt and effective treatment, many individuals with incomplete spinal injuries can experience significant recovery.

Complete spinal injury

In complete spinal injuries, the spinal cord is fully severed, resulting in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury. Complete spinal injuries are often more challenging to treat, though rehabilitation and modern interventions, like endoscopic spinal surgery, can still improve quality of life.

Spinal injuries by location

Spinal injuries are categorised into four levels based on the location of the injury. The location of a spinal injury determines the range of symptoms and mobility impacts, making it essential to address each injury at the specific spinal level affected.

Cervical spinal injuries

Cervical injuries affect the neck region and are among the most severe spinal injuries. They can lead to quadriplegia, where all four limbs and the torso lose function. These injuries also often impair respiratory function, making immediate and specialised treatment critical.

Thoracic spinal injuries

Located in the upper to mid-back region, thoracic injuries typically affect the chest and abdominal muscles. While arm and hand function often remain intact, mobility below the waist is usually compromised, resulting in paraplegia.

Lumbar spinal injuries

Injuries in the lumbar (lower back) region often impact hip and leg function but usually spare upper body mobility. Lumbar spinal injuries can lead to challenges with bowel and bladder control and limited leg function.

Sacral spinal injuries

Sacral injuries, located at the spine’s base, typically affect the hips and lower extremities. These injuries can result in difficulties with bowel, bladder, and sexual function, though they often allow for some level of leg movement and mobility.

Causes and symptoms of spinal injuries

Spinal injuries have various causes, the most common ones including:

• Trauma: Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries are the leading causes of spinal injuries.
• Degenerative diseases: Conditions such as spinal stenosis and arthritis can lead to chronic spinal cord compression, causing gradual loss of function.
• Infections and tumours: Certain infections and tumours can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to injury.
• Birth defects and genetic disorders: Spinal conditions like spina bifida can lead to structural weaknesses that increase the risk of injury.

The symptoms of spinal injuries vary depending on the injury type and location:

• Numbness, tingling, or complete sensory loss in affected areas.
• Loss of movement control below the injury level.
• Difficulty controlling bowel and bladder functions.
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the injured area.
• Shortness of breath or difficulties in cases of high cervical injuries.

Treatment options for spinal injuries

The first stage of treatment for a spinal injury typically begins at the scene of the accident. Emergency personnel can help immobilise the injury before transporting you to our clinic at Prince of Wales Private Hospital. Immediate care in the emergency room will focus on keeping your injury immobilised to prevent further damage.

At EndoSpine, we specialise in endoscopic spinal surgery. This advanced technique involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and specialised instruments through a small incision to access and repair the damaged area.

In cases where endoscopic techniques are not feasible, our surgeons may recommend traditional surgery, such as:

• Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebral bone to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
• Spinal fusion: Stabilising and joining two or more vertebrae to prevent movement and alleviate pain.
• Discectomy: Removal of a damaged disc to relieve nerve compression and reduce pain.

EndoSpine for spinal injury treatment

EndoSpine is led by Dr Chris Huang and Dr Ralph Mobbs, both highly experienced endoscopic spine surgeons who are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care for spinal injuries. Their groundbreaking work and focus on ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic techniques ensure that their patients receive the highest level of care.

 

At EndoSpine, we’re here to provide continuous compassionate support to patients with spinal injuries and conditions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help restore mobility, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life through expert endoscopic spinal surgery.