Introduction The estimated global incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is difficult to specify as there is wide variation between regions and discrepancies in reporting. It has been reported, however, that there are around 68 cases of SCI per million…
Introduction Cervical spinal cord injury is a devastating complication most commonly caused by motor vehicle collisions and falls from heights. Upper cervical spinal cord injuries may result in neurogenic shock, respiratory failure, and loss of motor in the upper and…
Introduction Penetrating injuries to the spine are often caused by gunshot wounds (GSWs). Most of the literature supporting the management guidelines of GSWs to the spine stem from military and combat medicine. The overall incidence of civilian GSWs has increased…
Introduction Central cord syndrome was first described by Schneider et al. in 1954 as a syndrome of disproportionate motor weakness of the upper limbs compared with the lower limbs, bladder dysfunction (urinary retention), and variable sensory changes. It is the…
Introduction The thoracolumbar junction is a region of biomechanical transition from the relatively stiff thoracic spine to the more flexible lumbar spine, which makes it susceptible to injury from high-velocity trauma. Fractures of the thoracolumbar junction are associated with an…
Introduction Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pathological compression fractures and osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine. This procedure represents a valuable treatment option for patients and their families, especially in terms of pain relief and…
Introduction Thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures are a common cause of spinal injury, where burst fractures account for up to 58% of all thoracolumbar fractures. These fractures can lead to pain and neurological deficit. In other cases, they may remain asymptomatic.…
Introduction Osteoporotic vertebral fracture is increasing in prevalence with our aging population. It has a reported incidence of 30% to 50% in those over the age of 50. This condition often affects postmenopausal women and can result spontaneously or following…
Introduction Traumatic fractures of the second cervical vertebra account for nearly 20% of all acute cervical spinal fractures with approximately 8.5% of surviving patients having neurological deficits after the injury. The low rate of neurological deficits with these injuries has…
Introduction Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is the most common complication of osteoporosis. Osteoporotic VCFs can lead to pain, functional disability, and decreased quality of life. These types of fractures are related to significant rates of morbidity and mortality and, with…