Spinal Fractures and Trauma in Miami
Spinal fractures can occur after a fall, motor-vehicle collision, sports injury, or other traumatic event. They may also develop when osteoporosis, cancer, or another medical condition weakens the vertebrae. Some fractures remain stable and heal without surgery, while others can disrupt spinal alignment or place the spinal cord and nerves at risk.
Dr. Noor Maza evaluates cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal fractures and develops an individualized treatment plan based on the fracture pattern, spinal stability, neurological examination, bone quality, and overall health of the patient.
When to seek urgent evaluation?
Seek immediate emergency evaluation after significant neck or back trauma, particularly if there is severe spinal pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel or bladder control, or numbness in the groin or saddle region. A person with a suspected spinal injury should not be moved unnecessarily unless required for immediate safety.
Evaluation and Treatment
Assessment may include X-rays, CT imaging, MRI, and a detailed neurological examination. Treatment is individualized according to:
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The location and pattern of the fracture
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Whether the injury is stable or unstable
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Spinal alignment and ligament integrity
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Spinal cord or nerve involvement
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Bone density and overall bone health
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The patient’s symptoms, health, and functional goals
Whenever possible, nonsurgical care is used for fractures that can heal safely without an operation. When surgery is necessary, the objective is to protect the neurological structures, restore stability and alignment, relieve compression, and help the patient return safely to activity.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when part of a vertebral body weakens and collapses. These fractures most commonly affect the thoracic or lumbar spine and are frequently associated with osteoporosis. They may occur after a fall or seemingly minor movement, although trauma, tumors, and other conditions that weaken bone can also be responsible.
Symptoms may include sudden back pain, pain that worsens with standing or movement, loss of height, and the development of a stooped or rounded posture. Some compression fractures cause little discomfort and are discovered incidentally on imaging.
Stable compression fractures can often be managed without surgery using pain medication, temporary bracing, activity modification, and a gradual return to movement. Evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis or another underlying bone disorder are essential to reduce the risk of additional fractures.
When severe pain persists despite appropriate treatment, vertebral augmentation such as kyphoplasty may be considered in selected patients. Fractures associated with neurological compression, progressive deformity, or instability may require decompression and surgical stabilization.
Cervical Spine Fractures
Cervical spine fractures involve one or more vertebrae in the neck. They most often occur after motor-vehicle collisions, falls, diving accidents, or sports injuries. In older adults or people with weakened bone, a serious cervical fracture may result from a relatively minor fall.
The severity of a cervical fracture depends on its location, displacement, ligament injury, spinal stability, and whether the spinal cord or nerves are affected. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination. Because movement of an unstable fracture can worsen a neurological injury, suspected cervical fractures require prompt evaluation and immobilization.
Stable fractures may be treated with a rigid cervical collar, activity restrictions, and close imaging follow-up. Unstable or displaced fractures may require surgical realignment, decompression, and stabilization with screws, plates, rods, or fusion. The goal is to protect the spinal cord, restore alignment, and provide enough stability for the fracture to heal.
Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fractures
Thoracic and lumbar fractures affect the middle and lower portions of the spine. They may result from falls, motor-vehicle collisions, sports injuries, workplace accidents, or weakened bone. These injuries range from stable compression fractures to complex fractures involving multiple portions of the vertebra and supporting ligaments.
Patients may experience localized back pain, muscle spasm, difficulty standing or walking, or pain that worsens with movement. When the spinal canal or nerves are involved, numbness, weakness, radiating pain, or changes in bowel or bladder function may occur.
Stable fractures without neurological injury may be treated with pain control, temporary bracing, activity modification, physical therapy, and periodic imaging. Unstable fractures, progressive deformity, or injuries affecting the spinal cord or nerves may require decompression, realignment, and stabilization with instrumentation and fusion. Minimally invasive fixation techniques may be used when appropriate.
Burst and Unstable Spinal Fractures
A burst fracture occurs when a vertebral body is compressed with enough force to break into multiple fragments. Unlike a simple compression fracture, a burst fracture may involve the back wall of the vertebral body and allow bone fragments to enter the spinal canal. These injuries typically result from high-energy trauma, such as a significant fall or motor-vehicle collision.
Not every burst fracture requires surgery. A fracture may sometimes be treated with bracing and close observation when spinal alignment is acceptable, the supporting ligaments remain intact, and there is no neurological injury. More severe burst fractures may cause instability, progressive deformity, or compression of the spinal cord or nerves.
Surgical treatment may include decompression to relieve neurological pressure, correction of spinal alignment, and stabilization with screws, rods, and fusion. The specific approach depends on the fracture location, degree of canal involvement, ligament injury, neurological examination, and the patient’s overall condition.