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C5, C6 Shoulder movement, raise arm (deltoid); flexion of elbow (biceps); C6 externally
rotates the arm (supinates)
C6, C7 Extends elbow and wrist ( triceps and wrist extensors);pronates wrist
Extension of toes
L5, S1, S2 Extension of leg at the hip (gluteus maximus)
Flexion of toes
L5, L5, S1, S2 Flexion of leg at the knee (hamstrings)
DERMATOMES
The spinal cord can be divided into three columns:
Anterior, middle and posterior.
Denis: Three Spinal stability is dependent on at least two intact
Column columns.
Concept of When two of the three columns are disrupted, it will
allow abnormal segmental motion, i.e. instability.
spinal stability.
Failure of two or more columns generally results in
instability.
Diagrammatic
representation
of the Three
Column
Concept of
spinal stability.
Stable Injuries
Vertebral components won’t be displaced by normal movement.
An undamaged spinal cord is not in danger.
There is no development of incapacitating deformity or pain.
Secondary Injury
Hemorrhage, oedema, and Ischemia secondary to the insult.
Therapeutic strategies are directed at reducing secondary injury.
Extremes of Motion
Hyperextension:
Common in the neck
Anterior ligaments and disc may be damaged.
Hyperflexion:
If posterior ligament is intact , wedging of vertebral body
Mechanisms of occurs.If torn , may cause subluxation.
Spinal Injury Axial compression:
Causes burst fractures. Bony fragments may be pushed
into spinal canal.
Flexion with rotation:
Causes dislocation with or without fracture.
Flexion with posterior distraction:
May disrupt middle and posterior column
Shear
Spinal Cord
Injuries
Neurologic function
Above the injury: intact.
Identification of Shock
Three types of Shock may occur in spinal trauma:
Physical Hypovolaemic Shock: Presents with hypotension, tachycardia, cold
Examination clammy peripheries. Caused by hemorrhage; treated with appropriate
fluid replacement.
Neurogenic Shock: Hypotension w/ normal heart rate or bradycardia
and warm peripheries. Caused by unopposed vagal tone resulting from
cervical spinal cord injury above the level of the sympathetic outflow
(C7/T1).
Spinal Shock: Characterized by paralysis, hypotonia, and areflexia.
Lasts for only 24 hours. Assess patient neurologically. When it starts to
resolve bulbocavernosus reflex returns.
Bulbocavernosus
reflex
The bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR)
or "Osinski reflex" is a polysynaptic
reflex that is useful in testing for
spinal shock and gaining
information about the state of
spinal cord injuries (SCI)
Spinal Examination
Spine Log Roll must be performed to achieve proper examination.
Inspect and palpate entire spine.
Swelling, tenderness, palpable steps or gaps suggest a spinal injury.
Note the presence of any wounds that might suggest penetrating
trauma.
Spinal
Examination
American Spinal Injury Association neurological evaluationsystem
is used.
Motor Function assesses key muscle groups. Grade (0-5)
Sensory Function assesses dermatomal map. (Pinprick and light
touch) Score: 0-2
Rectal examination:
Neurological Anal tone.
Voluntary anal contraction.
Evaluation Perianal sensation.
E Normal Function.
Transection leads to immediate, complete, flaccid paralysis (including
loss of anal sphincter tone), loss of all sensation and reflex activity,
and autonomic dysfunction below the level of the injury.
AnteriorCord
Syndrome
Hyperextension of the cord results in pinching of the cord in pre-
existing degenerative narrowing od the spinal cord.
Upper limbs and hands profoundly affected.
Distal motor function in the legs usually spared.
Fair Prognosis
CentralCord
Syndrome
Penetrating injury that affects one side of the cord
Ipsilateral motor loss vibration and position sense.
Contralateral pain and temperature sensation loss
Best prognosis
Brown-
Sequard’s
Syndrome
Least frequent syndrome
Injury to the posterior (dorsal) columns
Loss of proprioception
Pain, temperature, sensation and motor function below the level
of the lesion remain intact
PosteriorCord
Syndrome
Cauda Equina
Syndrome
Whiplash
Injury
85% of significant spinal injuries will be seem on standard lateral
cervical spine.
CT Scan should be obtained.
Most Sensitive in spinal trauma.
Complex patterns and fractures can be understood.
Diagnostic MRI
Best at visualizing soft-tissue elements of the spine.
Imaging Possible to view spinal cord hemorrhage, epidural and prevertebral
hematomas.
Not good at assessing bony structures.
Emergency 7.
8.
Imaging; X-rays , CT ,MRI.
Repeated neurologic examination helps determine the presence of deficits
Department 9.
its progression /resolution.
Hypotension and bradycardia may indicate neurogenic shock.
Care 10. Maintain the systolic blood pressure at a value of at least 90 mm Hg with a
heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute.
11. Bradycardia may be treated by the use of atropine.
12. Attempt to maintain urine output at a minimum of 30 mL/h. If all of the
above parameters are difficult to maintain, consider support with inotropic
agents.
13. These patients are also at risk for hypothermia and should be warmed to
maintain a core temperature of at least 96°F. Place a Foley catheter to help
with voiding.
With no neurological deficit:
If stable-pain relief , collar or brace.
If unstable-reduce and hold secure until bone / ligaments
heal with surgery or traction.
With complete sensory or motor loss:
Usually an unstable injury
Only consider conservative management for high thoracic
Management injuries.
Early operative stabilization to help with nursing , prevent
spinal deformity and pain.
Speeds up rehab.
With incomplete neurological loss:
Stable injury-conservative bed rest , brace.
Unstable injury-early reduction and stabilization.
The goals of operative treatment are to
decompress the spinal cord canal and to
stabilize the disrupted vertebral column.
Also consider the need for stabilization
procedures.
Surgical Categories of procedures for spine stabilization
Approach The 4 basic types of stabilization procedures are
1. posterior lumbar interspinous fusion,
2. posterior rods
3. cage
4. The Z-plate anterior thoracolumbar plating system.
Each has different advantages and disadvantages.