Spinal Fractures, Trauma & Spinal Cord Injuries
Understanding the Condition & Finding Lasting Relief
What Are Spinal Fractures, Trauma & Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal fractures, trauma, and spinal cord injuries (SCI) encompass a range of injuries affecting the vertebrae, spinal cord, and surrounding structures
These injuries can be caused by high-impact trauma, degenerative conditions, infections, or vascular events such as spinal stroke.
While some fractures heal with non-surgical treatments, others require surgical stabilisation to prevent further damage and restore mobility. Spinal cord injuries, including spinal stroke (spinal cord infarction), may result in temporary or permanent neurological impairment, affecting movement, sensation, and bladder/bowel control.
Early diagnosis and expert intervention are crucial in preventing long-term complications such as chronic pain, paralysis, or spinal instability.
How Spinal Fractures & Trauma Impact Your Life
Without treatment, spinal injuries can lead to:
Chronic pain & reduced mobility – Persistent discomfort affecting daily activities.
Spinal instability – Increased risk of further fractures or nerve damage.
Spinal deformity – Untreated fractures may cause kyphosis (hunchback) or scoliosis.
Neurological impairment – Severe cases may lead to permanent paralysis.
Early medical intervention improves outcomes and prevents complications.
Types of Spinal Fractures, Trauma & Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries can vary from mild fractures to life-altering spinal cord injuries, including:
Spinal Fractures & Trauma
Compression Fractures – Common in osteoporosis, where vertebrae collapse under pressure.
Burst Fractures – Severe fractures where vertebrae shatter, potentially compressing the spinal cord.
Flexion-Distraction Injuries – Caused by extreme forward bending, often in car accidents.
Fracture-Dislocations – When vertebrae break and shift out of alignment, leading to instability.
Ligamentous Injuries – Tears or sprains of spinal ligaments, which may cause instability.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury – Occurs when severe impact, fractures, or dislocations damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal Stroke (Spinal Cord Infarction) – A non-traumatic spinal cord injury caused by reduced blood flow (ischemia) to the spinal cord, leading to sudden weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation.
Nerve Compression Injuries – Pressure on the spinal cord from herniated discs, bone spurs, tumours, or swelling.
Infection-Induced Spinal Cord Damage – Severe infections (e.g., spinal abscess, osteomyelitis) can compress the spinal cord and cause neurological decline.
Common Causes of Spinal Fractures, Trauma & SCI
How Mr Gordan Grahovac Can Help
As a Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon, Mr Grahovac is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating spinal fractures, trauma, and spinal cord injuries. Whether you require conservative management, minimally invasive treatment, or complex spinal surgery, he ensures the best possible recovery while preserving spinal function.
To accurately assess spinal fractures, trauma, and spinal cord injuries, Mr Grahovac may perform:
MRI with Contrast – Detects fractures, soft tissue damage, and spinal cord injuries.
X-rays – Identifies fractures and spinal alignment issues.
CT Scan – Provides detailed imaging of bones and spinal structures.
Spinal Angiography (for Spinal Stroke) – Evaluates blood flow disruptions.
Spinal Cord Injury Assessment – Tests muscle function, sensation, and reflexes.
His Diagnostic Process:
Treatment Options for Spinal Injuries
Mr Grahovac and the teams he works with take a holistic approach to your treatment, considering the severity of your symptoms, underlying condition, and overall well-being to create a personalised plan that promotes long-term relief and spinal health.
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Pain Management – Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and targeted pain relief.
Bracing (For Certain Cases) – Supports the spine during healing.
Postural & Ergonomic Advice – Reduces strain on the spine.
Osteoporosis Management – Bone-strengthening medications & weight-bearing exercises.
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Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty – Bone cement stabilises compression fractures.
Epidural Steroid Injections – Pain relief for fractures causing nerve irritation.
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Minimally Invasive Spinal Stabilisation – For unstable fractures.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery – High-precision spinal fracture correction.
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Spinal Fusion Surgery – Permanently joins fractured vertebrae for stability.
Spinal Decompression Surgery – Relieves nerve compression.
What Patients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions:
Spinal Fractures, Trauma & SCI
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Spinal fractures cause sharp pain that worsens with movement. Severe fractures may cause numbness, weakness, or paralysis.
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Yes, compression fractures often heal with bracing and pain management. Severe or unstable fractures may require surgery.
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Non-surgical recovery – 6 to 12 weeks.
Minimally invasive procedures – A few days to weeks.
Surgical recovery – 3 to 6 months.
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A spinal stroke (spinal cord infarction) is a rare but serious condition where the blood flow to the spinal cord is disrupted, leading to sudden weakness, paralysis, or sensory loss. It is often caused by blood clots, arterial blockages, vascular abnormalities, or low blood pressure. Unlike strokes in the brain, spinal strokes do not typically affect speech or cognition but can result in permanent neurological impairment if not treated promptly.
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Yes. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is caused by trauma or compression, while spinal stroke is due to reduced blood flow leading to sudden paralysis or weakness.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
Spinal fractures, trauma, and spinal cord injuries do not have to define your future. Whether you need conservative treatment, pain management, or advanced spinal surgery, Mr Gordan Grahovac is here to help.
Book a consultation today and start your journey towards lasting relief.