An auto accident can cause sudden trauma resulting in spinal fractures. Fractures vary according to the body’s movement upon impact and the type of accident. Treatment is dependent upon the fracture severity. Many who suffer from the physical effects of a spinal fracture also suffer economic damages such as lost wages from missed work, medical bills, and other expenses.
The Anatomy
The spine is made up of vertebrae in a series of bones stacked one on top of another. In between the vertebrae are disks, which absorb shock and allow spine to flex, rotate and backward extend. Sudden forceful movement, like from a car accident, can cause vertebrae to break or become dislocated. In a car accident, vertebrae can experience trauma, resulting in different types of fractures.
Fractures Of The Spine
A flexion or extension fracture due to high impact puts pressure on the spine. Extension fractures commonly occur in a head-on crash when the hips are held in place by a seat belt, but the torso moves forward. Flexion fractures may cause one part of the vertebra to shorten as opposed to another part.
Rotation fractures often cause one vertebra to move in an opposite direction from an adjacent one. If a person is facing a different direction in an accident, they can experience a rotation fracture.
Treatment For Spinal Fractures
Treatment of spinal fracture may involve surgical or nonsurgical intervention followed by rehabilitation to restore function, realign displaced vertebrae as well as stabilize the spinal column.
Flexion fractures may benefit from conservative treatment such as using a brace and rehabilitation. Extension fractures may require surgery when one part of the vertebra collapses, but the other portion does not. If loss of vertebral height or cord impingement occurs, surgery may be crucial to recovery.
Rotational fractures may cause spinal instability causing realigning the vertebrae through surgical intervention necessary.
If you are in a car accident and experience a spinal fracture, you may need to contact an attorney to discuss your case.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
