Spine Fractures
What is a spine fracture?
A spine fracture is an orthopaedic injury that can occur as a result of an accident to any part of the spine.
There are two types of spine fractures that you can suffer from:
- The first is high energy – these occur in young people and are often caused by a major accident such as a road traffic or sporting accident.
- The second is low energy – these occur in older people and are caused by minor traumas such as a slip or fall.
What are the symptoms?
Sufferers will feel moderate to severe pain in the back and the part of the spine that is affected, which increases with movement.
It can present problems to the nerves that are near the bone that is broken, ongoing severe pain experienced at the back of the hips up to the neck, shooting pain in arms or legs, or pins and needles and numbness.
In addition, movement, including walking and how their bladder and bowels work can be impacted too.
How can it be treated?
A full diagnosis to identify the severity of the fracture is the first step to recovery.
At Wimbledon Clinics, the Spine Group conducts examinations, X-rays and scans to determine the problem.
Many spine fractures will not require surgical treatment, but in serious cases surgery may be advised. Neurological deficit, pain due to instability or potential deformity are reasons to consider surgical intervention. Persistent pain despite painkillers can also be an indication for treatment.
The main treatments include:
Observation and bracing
This non-operative method is performed to enable the bone to heal with good alignment and position. It involves making sure the spine lines up in an optimal way and X-rays and scans are conducted to monitor progress.
Surgery
When a fracture has changed the shape of the spine, or if it is affecting the nerves or spinal cord, surgery may be required. Each surgical procedure to treat spinal fractures is bespoke to the individual’s pattern of injury. It may involve stabilising the spine with screws. This treatment can involve extended periods of time in hospital, and recovery time can last upwards of six weeks, but the treatments are designed to enable patients to recover to full, normal functionality as soon as possible.
What makes Wimbledon Clinics different
At Wimbledon Clinics we have a dedicated, specialist team called the Spine Group.
Our team of spine surgeons are at the forefront of spine innovation and research. They are experts in the latest techniques to manage and heal spine fractures. They will offer you the very best advice and treatments to help you regain your mobility as quickly as possible.
What makes Wimbledon Clinics different is its multi-disciplinary team, which offers a seamless experience and pathway for patients. It consists of clinical surgeons that specialise in spinal fractures, deformity, cancer, myeloma and revisions, as well as non-operative specialists, physiotherapists, pain specialists, psychologists and orthotists.
We focus on what the patient wants to achieve, aiming to avoid surgery where possible by exploring non-operative treatments, enabling patients to get back to what they enjoy doing the most.
And to find out how you can benefit from our spine fracture treatment, get in touch by calling 020 3962 1677, email [email protected] or fill in the form on this page.
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Meet the Spine Group
At Wimbledon Clinics we have a dedicated, expert Spine Group consisting of a team of clinical surgeons that specialise in specific areas, as well as non-operative specialists, physiotherapists, pain specialists, psychologists and orthotists.
We focus on what the patient wants to achieve, aiming to avoid surgery where possible by exploring non-operative treatments first, enabling patients to get back to what they enjoy doing the most.
We are constantly developing our treatment methods, using the latest spinal surgical techniques and technology to ensure you are given the best medical care available, in the safest and most efficient way.
Our Spine Group includes:
JASON BERNARD
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Treats a wide range of spinal diseases and back injuries – from simple disc problems to complex cancer and scoliosis surgeries. Has extensive expertise in the revolutionary scoliosis treatment, Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT).
Specialist in: fractures, paediatric spine deformity and scoliosis, and myeloma.
TIM BISHOP
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Practice includes all aspects of spinal surgery, including surgery for cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral pathology. Also highly skilled in performing complex spinal trauma and tumour stabilisation.
Specialist in: adult and paediatric spine deformity and scoliosis, metastatic spine cancer and revision spine surgery.
DARREN F. LUI
Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
Specialises in complex spinal surgery including failed back syndrome, scoliosis and kyphosis surgery. Treats spinal tumours, metastases of the spine and offers balloon kyphoplasty. Experienced in minimally invasive surgery.
Specialist in: complex adult spine deformity and scoliosis, minimally invasive anterior spinal surgery, revision surgery and myeloma.
