Mechanism of Spinal Cord Injury in a Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle can be a risky venture due to the increased risk of injury without the protective metal frame. When someone does wind up in a serious accident, damage to the spinal cord can be among the most serious. Recently, a new treatment option was explored involving shortening the spine to remove a nidus of pain. This case report carries significant implications for the future.While most people understand how serious traumatic injuries can result from a motorcycle accident, it is important to analyze precisely how spinal cord injuries occur so that they can be avoided. When people are riding their motorcycle at high speeds and strike another object, they are prone to be ejected from their bike. When they strike the pavement, serious compression forces can lead to a vertebral compression fracture which can be accompanied by spinal cord damage. Bone fragments are prone to slicing through the important nerves that run through the cord. The tunnels where the spinal cord nerves exit can become compressed, impinging on nerve roots and causing pain. Riders can also damage their spinal cord if they lay down their bike to avoid a serious auto accident in front of them. Their arms or legs can get caught on the pavement or on other objects that are flying by. This can stretch their extremity and the spinal nerves that attach to them, potentially leading to avulsion injuries of the spinal cord. When people sustain injuries to their spinal cord, they are prone to developing severe symptoms which could require surgical treatment. There are a few options available to alleviate their chronic pain.
A Case Report: Initial Treatment and Results
A team of medical professionals recently published a case report discussing a young man who was seriously injured in a motorcycle. He was riding his bike down a city street when he was forced to take evasive action. A truck pulled out in front of him, and he was forced to swerve around the vehicle to avoid a serious collision. However, he struck a stone sculpture which was sitting on the edge of the road. He was ejected from his bike at high speeds and hit a tree, causing serious injury. He was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, and he was found to have sustained a fracture of his T10 vertebra. The vertebrae around the fracture were immobilized using a standard spinal fusion. The treatment immobilizes the fractured vertebra, helping to alleviate the pain that comes with a movement of the injury site. He was then sent home to recover.A Novel Treatment Option for Spinal Cord Injuries
Unfortunately, he still suffered from serious pain. He returned to see the doctor who recommended a new treatment option available for spinal cord injuries. They proposed a shortening procedure called an osteotomy. He went back to the operating room, and the original rods used for the spinal fusion were removed. They took out the fractured T10 vertebra that was causing him so much pain and fused the T9 and T11 vertebra together, making the spine shorter but also removing the nidus of his pain. After the procedure, he was taken to recovery and woke up without any of the pain that he was experiencing before. Even though a shortening procedure sounds like a drastic measure, the young man was pleased that he was again able to move without experiencing any pain.Watch YouTube Video: Levels of Spinal Cord Injury. This animated video explains the function of the spinal cord and the types of damages that can occur.
Help is Available
When people have developed an injury to their spinal cord, there are important implications outside the medical realm. Examples of common issues that could arise include:Employment Issues: Those who have sustained damage to their spinal cord could have severe problems with movement. Without the nerves, people could have trouble effectively using their arms and legs, making it challenging to perform their job.
Home Health: Those with serious injuries may need assistance from home health. These are individuals who come out and provide assistance with the necessary activities of daily living. People may even need equipment at home to help them move around the house.
Negligence: Those who have been injured in an accident as a result of the negligence of someone else may have legal options available for financial recourse. It is important to understand that there are many options available for financial assistance and to explore them thoroughly before making any decisions.
The legal waters surrounding a severe injury can be challenging. Remember to explore every option available for financial assistance and to contact an experienced attorney to learn more.
Image Source: The image of the accident from the top has been used with permission from the 4.0 version of the Creative Commons International License and was located originally on Wikimedia Commons.
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