Spine and Spinal Cord Injury

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Arribas ◽  
Michael A. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Penetrating Trauma ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Cervical Injury ◽  
Intravenous Contrast ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ct ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Cord Injury

Spinal injury has the potential to dramatically change a patient’s life. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate supportive medical care, early transfer to a spinal injury center and, if necessary, surgical intervention within 24 hours are essential to optimizing outcomes.  Clinical decision rules aid in determining the need for imaging. When needed, non-contrast enhanced CT is the initial imaging test of choice with MRI being used in patients with neurologic findings, significant pathology on CT, and/or high suspicion for injury. CT or MRI with intravenous contrast is preferred in penetrating trauma. Radiographs are of limited utility in evaluating spinal injury in adults. Classification of spinal injury based on appearance on imaging and neurologic exam is important for surgical management decisions. Cervical injury may lead to respiratory distress requiring early intubation. Hypotension is most often a result of hemorrhage from concomitant traumatic injuries to other organ systems. Crystalloid, blood products, atropine and norepinephrine should be used as needed to avoid systolic BP< 90 mm Hg or heart rate< 60 BPM and maintain a MAP of 85-90 mm Hg. Steroid administration within the first 8 hours of significant spinal injury is controversial and the decision to administer steroids should be made through consultation with patient, family and spinal specialist. The review contains 8 figures, 2 videos, 13 tables, and 59 references. Keywords: blunt trauma, neurologic assessment, penetrating trauma, spinal anatomy, spinal cord injury, spinal injury, steroid use, vertebrae, vertebral anatomy, vertebral injury

Spine and Spinal Cord Injury

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Arribas ◽  
Michael A. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Penetrating Trauma ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Cervical Injury ◽  
Intravenous Contrast ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ct ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Cord Injury

Spinal injury has the potential to dramatically change a patient’s life. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate supportive medical care, early transfer to a spinal injury center and, if necessary, surgical intervention within 24 hours are essential to optimizing outcomes.  Clinical decision rules aid in determining the need for imaging. When needed, non-contrast enhanced CT is the initial imaging test of choice with MRI being used in patients with neurologic findings, significant pathology on CT, and/or high suspicion for injury. CT or MRI with intravenous contrast is preferred in penetrating trauma. Radiographs are of limited utility in evaluating spinal injury in adults. Classification of spinal injury based on appearance on imaging and neurologic exam is important for surgical management decisions. Cervical injury may lead to respiratory distress requiring early intubation. Hypotension is most often a result of hemorrhage from concomitant traumatic injuries to other organ systems. Crystalloid, blood products, atropine and norepinephrine should be used as needed to avoid systolic BP< 90 mm Hg or heart rate< 60 BPM and maintain a MAP of 85-90 mm Hg. Steroid administration within the first 8 hours of significant spinal injury is controversial and the decision to administer steroids should be made through consultation with patient, family and spinal specialist. The review contains 8 figures, 2 videos, 13 tables, and 59 references. Keywords: blunt trauma, neurologic assessment, penetrating trauma, spinal anatomy, spinal cord injury, spinal injury, steroid use, vertebrae, vertebral anatomy, vertebral injury

Rehabilitation of the canine patient following spinal cord injury: a practical guide

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Cheryl Corral
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Practical Guide ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Physical Therapies

This article forms part of a series exploring the rehabilitation of the canine shoulder, elbow, back, hip and stifle following injury or disease. Discussed here are different rehabilitation techniques used to address neurological deficits, pain and weakness following spinal injury, including physical therapies, electrotherapies and acupuncture.

Influence of severity and level of injury on the occurrence of complications during the subacute and chronic stage of traumatic spinal cord injury: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Charlotte Y. Adegeest ◽  
Jort A. N. van Gent ◽  
Janneke M. Stolwijk-Swüste ◽  
Marcel W. M. Post ◽  
William P. Vandertop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Autonomic Dysreflexia ◽  
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Meta Analyses

OBJECTIVE Secondary health conditions (SHCs) are long-term complications that frequently occur due to traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) and can negatively affect quality of life in this patient population. This study provides an overview of the associations between the severity and level of injury and the occurrence of SHCs in tSCI. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase that retrieved 44 studies on the influence of severity and/or level of injury on the occurrence of SHCs in the subacute and chronic phase of tSCI (from 3 months after trauma). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS In the majority of studies, patients with motor-complete tSCI (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A or B) had a significantly increased occurrence of SHCs in comparison to patients with motor-incomplete tSCI (AIS grade C or D), such as respiratory and urogenital complications, musculoskeletal disorders, pressure ulcers, and autonomic dysreflexia. In contrast, an increased prevalence of pain was seen in patients with motor-incomplete injuries. In addition, higher rates of pulmonary infections, spasticity, and autonomic dysreflexia were observed in patients with tetraplegia. Patients with paraplegia more commonly suffered from hypertension, venous thromboembolism, and pain. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that patients with a motor-complete tSCI have an increased risk of developing SHCs during the subacute and chronic stage of tSCI in comparison with patients with motor-incomplete tSCI. Future studies should examine whether systematic monitoring during rehabilitation and the subacute and chronic phase in patients with motor-complete tSCI could lead to early detection and potential prevention of SHCs in this population.

scholarly journals Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation for chronic spinal cord injury: A long-term follow-up study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-105
Author(s):  
Naifeng Kuang ◽  
Xiaoyu Wang ◽  
Yuexia Chen ◽  
Guifeng Liu ◽  
Fan’e Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Olfactory Ensheathing Cell ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Spinal cord injury is a serious disabling condition. Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) is one of the most promising treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty-nine patients with chronic SCI received OEC transplantation and completed long-term follow-up, with a minimum follow-up of 7 years. We assessed sensorimotor function with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) and autonomic nervous function by the International Standards to document remaining Autonomic Function after Spinal Cord Injury (ISAFSCI), and sympathetic skin responses (SSR). The scores of each group were significantly higher after OECs transplantation than before treatment. SSR latencies were shorter and response amplitudes increased after treatment. Long-term follow-up showed further improvement only in motor function and autonomic function compared with 3 months postoperatively. No complications occurred in any patient during long-term follow-up. The results indicate that the transplantation of OECs in spinal cord restored function without serious side effects.

scholarly journals SOME ASPECTS OF PEDIATRIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

2005 ◽  
pp. 015-019
Author(s):  
Igor Ivanovich Larkin ◽  
Valery Ivanovich Larkin
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Radiological Diagnostics ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Mri Changes

Objective. To analyse the possibility of diagnostics improvement in children with spinal cord injuries. Material and Methods. The observations of 147 cases of various spinal cord injuries in children at the age of 11 months to 15 years have been analyzed. Causes of trauma, age peculiarities of spinal injury manifestations, and difficulties of clinical and radiological diagnostics are discussed. Results. Most cases of spinal cord injury in children could be revealed and adequately managed at a prehospital stage. It should be noted that the spine lesion and MRI changes do not always accompany spinal cord injury in children. This observation must be taken into account while making diagnosis. Conclusion. Electromyography is an important examination confirming spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities (SCIWORA syndrome) in children.

scholarly journals Management of Sacral Pressure Sore by Clinically Isolated Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator-based Fasciocutaneus Flap in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-18
Author(s):  
S P Das ◽  
Mamtamanjari Sahu ◽  
Pramod Kumar Parida
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Constant Pressure ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Pressure Sore ◽  
Superior Gluteal Artery ◽  
Doppler Probe ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Artery Perforator

Abstract Prolong confinement to bed in spinal injury patients imparts constant pressure on bony prominences resulting impairment of blood flow to local tissue. Constant pressure of 2 hours or more produces irreversible changes leading to tissue necrosis and development of pressure sore. Sacrum encounters highest pressure in supine position and is the commonest site of pressure sore in spinal cord injury patients followed by trochanter and heel. Objective of the study Observation on management of sacral pressure sore by superior gluteal arterial perforatorbased flap using anatomical land marks in the absence of facility of Doppler probe for isolation of superior gluteal arterial perforators. Materials and methods Thirteen patients of spinal cord injury presented with sacral pressure sore were managed surgically using superior gluteal artery perforator-based flap coverage. The location of the artery was identifi ed using anatomical land marks. In 10 patients the flap was heeled uneventfully, one had signifi cant complication with wound dehiscence. Conclusions Management of sacral pressure sore by superior gluteal arterial perforator-based flap using anatomical land marks is a simple and reliable procedure. The learning curve is not that stiff. Sophisticated instruments are not required for this procedure.

scholarly journals The demographics and traumatic causes of spinal cord injury in Nepal: An observational study

Trauma ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 146040862094134
Author(s):  
Arran Willott ◽  
Raju Dhakal ◽  
Christine Groves ◽  
Julie Mytton ◽  
Matthew Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
East Asia ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Cord Injury

Introduction There has been little systematic study of the epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Nepal, South-East Asia, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in general. One third of the global morbidity and mortality due to injuries is concentrated in South-East Asia. We need to better understand the circumstances leading to TSCI if we are to make progress with prevention. Method The Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC) in Nepal systemically collected prospective data describing people with TSCI admitted between September 2015 and August 2016. Descriptive analyses of variables yielded demographic, aetiological and clinical descriptors of this cohort. Cross-tabulations were used to explore the associations between variables. Results Of 184 admissions over one year, males were admitted to SIRC almost 2.3 times more often than females. Young adults (21–30 years) were the largest age group (34%). The majority of TSCI resulted in paraplegia (67%) and was complete in nearly half (49%). Falls caused the majority of TSCI (69%), and falls from trees were the most common. Road traffic injuries (RTIs) were the second leading cause (29%); the majority involved two- or three-wheeled motorised vehicles and patients were most commonly driving. Conclusion Falls were the leading cause of TSCI across both genders and all age groups, followed by RTIs, which occurred most often in young adults and men. Injury surveillance and further research would provide a greater understanding of the pattern of TSCI and enable progress in TSCI prevention and rehabilitation.

scholarly journals Spinal Cord Injury With Tetraplegia in Young Persons After Diving Into Shallow Water: What Has Changed in the Past 10 to 15 Years?

2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822094412
Author(s):  
Christopher Ull ◽  
Emre Yilmaz ◽  
Oliver Jansen ◽  
Sebastian Lotzien ◽  
Thomas A. Schildhauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Young Person ◽  
Health Care Center ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Cord Injury

Study Design: Retrospective, monocentric, observational study in a tertiary health care center. Objectives: To analyze prehospital and clinical findings, complications, neurological improvement and follow-up in a young person cohort with spinal cord injury (SCI) and tetraplegia according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A to D after diving into shallow water. Methods: Included were all persons younger than 50 years with SCI after head-first diving into shallow water between June 2001 and June 2019. All persons with SCI were divided into complete tetraplegia (AIS A) and incomplete tetraplegia (AIS B, C, and D) to test differences. Results: A total of 59 males (98.7%) and 1 female with a mean age of 27.7 years suffered an SCI. Alcohol use was documented in 25 cases (41.7%). At the time of admission, 33 people (55%) showed a complete tetraplegia (AIS A) and 27 showed an incomplete tetraplegia with 8 AIS B (13.3%), 15 AIS C (25%), and 4 AIS D (6.7%). At the time of discharge, people with initially complete tetraplegia showed a significant improvement from admission to discharge ( P ≤ .004). Persons with incomplete tetraplegia were more likely to improve their neurological status compared with complete tetraplegia patients ( P ≤ .001). Especially persons with complete tetraplegia suffered from typical SCI-related problems and complications. Conclusions: People with SCI and tetraplegia at the time admission show neurological improvement in 50% of the cases with an overall better outcome in persons with incomplete tetraplegia. The surgical treatment of SCI within 24 hours seems to be associated with a better neurological outcome and a lower level of tetraplegia. The incidence of SCI caused by diving into shallow water remains stable without a significant change, especially in high-risk groups. More education and prevention programs are necessary to avoid these injuries.

scholarly journals Neurological recovery after surgical intervention of a complete spinal cord injury secondary to a chronic untreated odontoid neck fracture: a lesson in patient prognostication

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. e233077
Author(s):  
Patricio III Espinoza Dumlao ◽  
Samuel Grozman
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Posterior Decompression ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Neck Fracture ◽  
Complete Spinal Cord Injury

Odontoid fractures are injuries that can either be benign or devastatingly progress to quadriplegia and significant morbidity and mortality. Management is not clear cut for patients who already present late and with severe neurological deficits. We present a case of a type 2 odontoid fracture with associated complete spinal cord injury (American Spinal Injury Association A) initially untreated for 3 months but was subsequently managed with posterior decompression, instrumentation and occipitocervical fusion. The patient fully recovered all deficits and is independent of activities of daily living.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document