Spine fractures can be extremely painful. However, they can range in severity from a minor break requiring little attention to severe fractures resulting in paralysis or death. George Kakoulides, MD, continues to be the leading West Islip spine fracture specialist. With modern medical innovations and an elite team, you can be sure to receive precise diagnosis and treatment. Call or apply the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
Causes of Spine Fracture
When one or more of your spinal vertebrae are broken, it is known as a spine fracture. Spinal fractures can occur on the front or anterior side of the vertebra, the back or backside, or both.
A high-energy trauma, such as a fall from a great height, a vehicle accident, or a sports injury, is the most common cause of spinal fractures, whether in the neck, mid-back, or lower back.
What Causes a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
This form of spine fracture develops when one or more vertebrae become too weak to support your spine's regular weight and pressure. As a result, instead of creating a typical fracture, the vertebrae collapse.
Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures. A spinal tumor or infection, on the other hand, can weaken your spine.
Symptoms of Spine Fracture
Spinal fractures generally result in significant neck or back pain and limited motion. A severe injury can cause loss of feeling and muscle weakness in your arms or legs, as well as bowel and bladder difficulties.
A vertebral fracture can easily result in nerve damage and severe complications like paralysis. Severe brain harm or injury to other regions of your body is also possible.
Treatment of Spinal Fractures
X-rays and CT scans reveal bone damage, whereas an MRI discloses soft tissues and allows Dr. Kakoulides to assess the presence and severity of spinal cord and nerve root compression.
Isolated spinous and transverse process fractures, for example, do not require treatment. Dr. Kakoulides may use bracing to treat some fractures. Still, severe fractures that cause neurological problems often require surgery to help alleviate the pressure on the nerve roots and spinal cord.
Dr. Kakoulides restores spinal stability if your fracture impairs it by implanting instruments such as rods and screws. He prefers to conduct minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Extensive or severe fractures, on the other hand, may necessitate traditional open surgery.
Dr. Kakoulides uses kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, to treat compression fractures. He inserts a needle into the crumbling bone and inflates a balloon to restore the vertebra's standard height. Then he injects bone cement to replenish the strength and integrity of the vertebrae.
How Do I Prepare for Surgery?
Give up smoking. If you smoke, get regular exercise to speed up your recovery, stop taking any non-essential medicines and herbal remedies that may interact with anesthetics or other medications, and ask your surgeon all of your questions.
Are you looking for quality relief from back pain or a spine fracture? Contact Dr. George today for a customized treatment plan. Call the prestigious office or book your appointment online.
Parker shown is a full time blogger and can be contacted at parkershown99@gmail.com