Get Started

Spinal Trauma and Fractures

Conditions Treated

Seek specialist assessment

Persistent leg pain, numbness or weakness? Arrange a consultation for comprehensive evaluation and management options.

Make an Enquiry

Overview

Spinal trauma and fractures result from accidents, falls or high-energy injuries and can cause immediate or progressive neurological damage if not promptly and appropriately managed. Treatment depends on fracture stability, degree of neurological injury and associated injuries. Early assessment and stabilisation are critical.

Symptoms

At time of injury:

  • Severe back or neck pain at the injury site.
  • Inability to move or bear weight.
  • Visible deformity or swelling.

Neurological symptoms (depending on severity of spinal cord or nerve injury):

  • Weakness or paralysis in arms, legs or trunk.
  • Loss of sensation below the injury level.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Difficulty breathing (if high cervical injury).

Some fractures may not cause immediate pain or obvious symptoms but can be unstable and dangerous; always suspect spinal injury after significant trauma.

Causes

  • Motor vehicle accidents: high-speed collisions, rollover crashes.
  • Falls: especially from height or in elderly patients with osteoporosis.
  • High-energy trauma: motorcycle/bicycle accidents, sports injuries, assaults.
  • Diving accidents: impact injuries to the cervical spine.
  • Pathological fractures: fractures through weak bone due to osteoporosis, tumours or other disease.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis guides treatment and prevents secondary injury.

  • CT imaging: primary modality for trauma; assesses fracture pattern, alignment, bone quality and canal involvement.
  • X-rays: initial assessment, particularly cervical spine; series of plain films guides need for advanced imaging.
  • MRI: assesses spinal cord signal changes, ligament injuries, bleeding and soft tissue damage.
  • Physical and neurological examination: documents baseline neurological status.
_H8A9321
_H8A9414
_H8A9283

Non‑surgical treatment

Stable fractures without neurological deficit may be managed conservatively.

  • Immobilisation: cervical collar, Halo device or thoracolumbosacral orthosis depending on fracture location and severity.
  • Bed rest initially: followed by gradual mobilisation as tolerated.
  • Pain management: analgesics tailored to injury severity and patient factors.
  • Physiotherapy: gentle mobilisation, strengthening exercises as healing progresses.
  • Duration: typically 8–12 weeks of immobilisation with imaging follow-up to confirm healing.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is needed for unstable fractures, fractures with neurological deficit, or those that fail to heal with conservative treatment.

  • Spinal stabilisation: fusion using hardware (rods, screws, plates) to maintain alignment during healing.
  • Decompression: removal of bone, disc or other material compressing the spinal cord.
  • Surgical approach: anterior (front), posterior (back) or combined depending on fracture location and pathology.
  • Timing: urgent surgery is considered for severe cord compression or progressive neurological deficit.

Early stabilisation allows earlier mobilisation, reduces risk of complications and may improve neurological recovery.

Red flags requiring immediate assessment

Seek emergency care if you have:

  • Severe back or neck pain after trauma.
  • Any neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, loss of bowel/bladder control).
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing after neck injury.
  • Severe or worsening symptoms.