scholarly journals A Nearly Lethal Screw: An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Bradycardia and Asystole Episodes after Fixation of the Cervical Spine

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Amit Frenkel ◽  
Yair Binyamin ◽  
Evgeni Brotfain ◽  
Leonid Koyfman ◽  
Aviel Roy-Shapira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Unstable Fracture ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Fixation Screw ◽  
Direct Pressure ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Cervical

We present a case of a 51-year-old man who was injured in a bicycle accident. His main injury was an unstable fracture of the cervical and thoracic vertebral column. Several hours after his arrival to the hospital the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the cervical and thoracic spine. The patient was hospitalized in our critical care unit for 99 days. During this time patient had several episodes of severe bradycardia and asystole; some were short with spontaneous return to sinus and some required pharmacological treatment and even Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Initially, these episodes were attributed to the high cervical spine injury, but, later on, CT scan suggested that a fixation screw abutted on the esophagus and activated the vagus nerve by direct pressure. After repositioning of the cervical fixation, the bradycardia and asystole episodes were no longer observed and the patient was released to a rehabilitation ward. This case is presented in order to alert practitioners to the possibility that, after operative fixation of cervical spine injuries, recurrent episodes of bradyarrhythmia can be caused by incorrect placement of the fixation screws and might be confused with the natural history of the high cervical cord injury.

Halo-thoracic brace immobilization in 188 patients with acute cervical spine injuries

1983 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard C. Chan ◽  
Joseph F. Schweigel ◽  
Gordon B. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Early Mobilization ◽  
Fusion Rate ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Cervical Fractures ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Skull Traction

✓ The authors report 188 patients with acute cervical spine injury with fracture who underwent Halothoracic brace immobilization. The majority of the fractures were considered unstable. Early neurological assessment revealed 24 patients without neurological deficit. There were 164 patients with associated cervical cord injury; 84 patients with incomplete, and 80 patients with complete tetraplegia. Management consisted of skull traction and application of the Halo-thoracic brace about 1.3 weeks after admission. The average radiological union time was 11.5 weeks following a mean of 10.2 weeks of immobilization in a Halo apparatus. Satisfactory restoration of bone and ligament stability, with no significant posttreatment neck pain, was obtained in 168 cases (89%). This is comparable to the fusion rate achieved for cervical fractures in the literature. The follow-up periods range from 1 month to 6 years, with a mean of 10.8 months. The management and results in 73 patients with unilaterally and bilaterally locked facets with or without fractures are discussed. Complete tetraplegia is not considered a contraindication to Halo apparatus immobilization. The multiple factors responsible for overcoming the barrier of anesthetic skin are elucidated. Use of the Halo apparatus offers early mobilization and rehabilitation without neurological deterioration. Complications are few and insignificant.

scholarly journals Return to Play after Cervical Spine Injuries: A Consensus of Opinion

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 792-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. France ◽  
Michael Karsy ◽  
James S. Harrop ◽  
Andrew T. Dailey
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Cord Injury

Study Design Survey. Objective Sports-related spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a growing proportion of total SCIs but lacks evidence or guidelines to guide clinical decision-making on return to play (RTP). Our objective is to offer the treating physician a consensus analysis of expert opinion regarding RTP that can be incorporated with the unique factors of a case for clinical decision-making. Methods Ten common clinical scenarios involving neurapraxia and stenosis, atlantoaxial injury, subaxial injury, and general cervical spine injury were presented to 25 spine surgeons from level 1 trauma centers for whom spine trauma is a significant component of their practice. We evaluated responses to questions about patient RTP, level of contact, imaging required for a clinical decision, and time to return for each scenario. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Evaluation of the surgeons’ responses to these cases showed significant consensus regarding return to high-contact sports in cases of cervical cord neurapraxia without symptoms or stenosis, surgically repaired herniated disks, and nonoperatively healed C1 ring or C2 hangman's fractures. Greater variability was found in recommendations for patients showing persistent clinical symptomatology. Conclusion This survey suggests a consensus among surgeons for allowing patients with relatively normal imaging and resolution of symptoms to return to high-contact activities; however, patients with cervical stenosis or clinical symptoms continue to be a challenge for management. This survey may serve as a basis for future clinical trials and consensus guidelines.

scholarly journals Cervical spine injuries in pediatric athletes: mechanisms and management

2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Jagannathan ◽  
Aaron S. Dumont ◽  
Daniel M. Prevedello ◽  
Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽  
John A. Jane
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Cervical Spine Injury ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
Axial Loading ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Severe Injuries ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Cord Injury

✓Sports-related injuries to the spine, although relatively rare compared with head injuries, contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in children. The reported incidence of traumatic cervical spine injury in pediatric athletes varies, and most studies are limited because of the low prevalence of injury. The anatomical and biomechanical differences between the immature spine of pediatric patients and the mature spine of adults that make pediatric patients more susceptible to injury include a greater mobility of the spine due to ligamentous laxity, shallow angulations of facet joints, immature development of neck musculature, and incomplete ossification of the vertebrae. As a result of these differences, 60 to 80% of all pediatric vertebral injuries occur in the cervical region. Understanding pediatric injury biomechanics in the cervical spine is important to the neurosurgeon, because coaches, parents, and athletes who place themselves in positions known to be associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) run a higher risk of such injury and paralysis. The mechanisms of SCI can be broadly subclassified into five types: axial loading, dislocation, lateral bending, rotation, and hyperflexion/hyperextension, although severe injuries often result from a combination of more than one of these subtypes. The aim of this review was to detail the characteristics and management of pediatric cervical spine injury.

Regional injuries of the cervical spine: sports-related anatomical, pathophysiological, and clinical perspectives

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezequiel Gherscovici ◽  
Eli Baron ◽  
Alexander Vaccaro
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Spinal Column ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Athletic Field

Cervical spine injuries occur infrequently on the athletic field (Dietz and Lillegard 1999). Nevertheless, sporting events have been reported as the fourth most common cause of spinal cord injury (behind motor vehicle collisions, assaults, and falls) (NSCISC 2006). The possibility of catastrophic cervical spine injury exists with involvement in sports, where it can be defined as ‘structural distortion of the cervical spinal column associated with actual or potential damage to the spinal cord’. This may result in irreversible neurological injury to the athlete (...

scholarly journals Acute traumatic unilateral cervical C4–C5 facet dislocation in pediatric toddlers

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wongthawat Liawrungrueang ◽  
Rattanaporn Chamnan ◽  
Weera Chaiyamongkol ◽  
Piyawat Bintachitt
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Neck Muscle ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Facet Dislocation ◽  
Cord Injury

Abstract Background The present study is to highlight the challenges in managing cervical spine injuries in toddlers (less than 4 years of age) without neurological deficit. Cases of unilateral cervical C4–C5 facet dislocation in toddlers are very rare. Case presentation A 3-year-old girl suffered cervical spine injury after a motor vehicle collision with unilateral C4–C5 facet dislocation without neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no spinal cord injury, Frankel grade E. Initial management was cervical spine protection. Definite treatment and complication were discussed with the patient’s parents before closed reduction maneuver with minerva cast was applied under sedation. The patient showed no complication after closed reduction and the cervical spine had aligned well in radiographs. The minerva cast was removed at 8 weeks, at which point neck muscle stretching rehabilitation program started. At one-year follow up, the child was asymptomatic, had full active cervical motion and good function. In radiographs, the cervical spine had normal alignment and was healed. Conclusions Unilateral cervical facet dislocation in toddlers is very rare. Closed reduction maneuver and the minerva cast applied were optional in this case. The parents were highly satisfied with the effective treatment and outcome.

Evaluation of cervical spine injury and predicting neurological deficit by magnetic resonance imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Sushant H Bhadane ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Spine Injuries ◽  
Posterior Element

Background: The consequences of cervical spine injuries range from simple neck pain, to quadriplegia, or even death. MR imaging has become part of the diagnostic and prognostic tools for spinal cord injury. Aim: To prospectively evaluate cervical spine injuries by MR imaging and to find out association of MR imaging findings with degree of neurological deficit. Material and Methods: Descriptive longitudinal hospital based study was conducted on 30 patients with known or suspected cervical spine trauma who presented to the emergency department. Results: Mean age of the cases was about 42 years, with female to male ratio of 1:6.5. C6-C7 spinal level was most commonly involved. Proportions complete spinal cord injury (CSCI), incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI) and neurologically normal (NN) were 23.33%, 60% and 16.67% respectively. Out of 12 MRI findings, cord haemorrhage, contusion, posterior element fracture, disc injury, prevertebral hematoma, subluxation and soft tissue injury was statistically associated with degree of neurological deficit. Cord contusion, cord haemorrhage and posterior element fracture were potential predictors of neurological status at admission. Cord contusion, cord haemorrhage and subluxation were potential predictors at 3 months. Conclusion: MRI proved a pivotal role in the diagnosis of SCIs, deciding prompt management and predicting neurological deficit and prognosis of neurological recovery. So, MRI is an excellent diagnostic modality for the evaluation of spinal trauma and predicting the degree of neurological deficit and recovery.

scholarly journals (A121) Relation of Dopamine Dependent Hypotension with Outcome in Cervical Spine Injury Patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s34-s34
Author(s):  
A. T. D. Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Cervical Spine Injury ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Trauma Centre ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
The Mean

BackgroundIt is believed that dopamine resistance sets in within 72–92 hours following therapy. However, in the authors' experience, spinal cord injury patients may require dopamine to maintain blood pressure over several weeks.ObjectivesThis study aims to: (1) assess the incidence and duration of of dopamine dependence in cervical cord injury patients; and (2) find the relation (if any) of dopamine dependent hypotension with outcome of spinal cord injured patients.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study carried out over 2-month period in the neurosurgery intensive care unit (ICU) at JPN Apex Trauma Centre, AIIMS. All cervical spine injury patients who had hypotension during the hospital stay were included in the study. History, clinical findings, requirement of ionotropic support, management, and outcome were recorded for all enrolled subjects.ResultsDuring the study period 48 patients were admitted with cervical spine injury in the ICU. Of these, 26 patients (54%) had hypotension and were constituted the study group. Eleven patients had complete spinal cord injury (power 0/5) and 15 patients had incomplete spinal cord injury. Twenty-four patients were on ventilator support and two were on oxygen masks. The mean dose of dopamine which the patient receives during the treatment was 7.5 mcg/kg/min with the maximum and minimum doses of 20mcg/kg/min and 2 mcg/kg/min. The mean duration of dopamine support was 17 days (Range 6–48 days). Eight patients (31%) required intermittent dopamine support and 18 patients (70%) required continuous support. The in-hospital mortality was 61% (n = 16). Mortality was significantly lower in patients who received intermittent ionotropic support as compared to those who required continuous ionotropic support (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe patients with spinal cord injury are dependent on dopamine throughout their recovery period. The patients who required intermittent ionotropic support had significant better outcome compared to those who required continuous ionotropic support.

scholarly journals Early outcome of surgical intervention in subaxial cervical spine injuries

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Vignesh S. ◽  
Pradeep B. ◽  
Balasubramanian D.
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Subaxial Cervical Spine ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Spine Injuries

Background: Sub-axial cervical spine includes the C3 through C7 segments, a very mobile area of the spine with potential for devastating injuries as a result of instability and risk of spinal cord injury. Goal of treatment is to stabilize the spine and decompress when necessary, in order to promote the optimal environment for recovery.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 40 patients with sub-axial cervical spine injury who underwent surgery in this institute from January 2016 to March 2017.Results: Most of the patients were young males with road traffic accident. They underwent cerival traction for reducing translation and surgical management, mostly anterior procedures and in some cases posterior stabilisation.Conclusions: Most of the subaxial spine injuries can be treated by anterior procedures. Preoperative neurological status is an important predictor in postoperative neurological improvement.

Injuries to the head and cervical spine

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert V Cantu ◽  
Robert C Cantu
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Young Athletes ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Spine Injuries

Traumatic brain and cervical spine injuries in young athletes encompass a wide spectrum, with some injuries occurring in otherwise ‘safe’ sports, and others in high-risk sports where head and cervical spine injuries are the norm. Athletic brain injuries include concussion, intracranial haemorrhage, malignant brain oedema syndrome, and axonal shear. In the cervical spine, injuries include muscle strains, contusions, fractures, or ligamentous disruptions with nerve root or spinal cord injury. Knowledge of these injuries and their signs and symptoms is important for the physician covering a sporting contest or practice. Additionally, preparedness for potential head or cervical spine injury must be addressed by health professionals providing sporting event coverage. This chapter reviews how traumatic brain and cervical spine injuries typically occur in young athletes. It also discusses what the initial treatment of these injuries should entail, along with a discussion of return to play considerations.

scholarly journals Cervical spine fractures in multiple injured patients in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Spine Injury ◽  
Spine Fractures ◽  
Cervical Injury ◽  
Cervical Spine Injuries ◽  
Multiple Injured ◽  
Spine Injuries ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cervical Spine Fractures ◽  
Time Of Admission

Objectives: The aim of study to describe the main types of cervical spine fractures presented to the emergency department and to illustrate the main aspects of management and outcome. Methods: This is a prospective study of 72 patients with cervical injury out of 932 male patients with history of multiple injuries. All patients with cervical spine injury were admitted within 1 week of injury and follow up thereafter by regular outpatient visit. Cervical spine injuries were diagnosed by full radiological assessment according to NEXUS criteria (plain x-ray with lateral, anteroposterior, odontoid views in addition to cervical spine C.T for indicated patients) and evaluated neurologically. Results: Mean age of patients at time of accident was 25 years ranging from 7-73years, 50% of them were in the third decade of life. Road traffic accidents constitute 58.3% of causes of cervical injury followed by fall from height (19.5%). Results has shown that mid and lower cervical spine injuries constitute 87.5% of all types of vertebra involved while upper cervical spine injuries constitute only 12.5% of them. Associated injuries were found in 42 patients (58.3%) and the most common associated injury was cerebral concussion. 50% of patients had no history of neural deficit at time of admission, while the others had neurological abnormalities (27.7%) of them with complete deficit at time of admission. The most common type of skeletal injury was wedge fracture (28 patients, 38.8%), followed by spinous process fracture and burst fracture (18 patients, 25% and 12 patients, 16.6%) respectively. Respiratory complications were the most common in our series (12 patients of 72, 16.6%) followed by an equal share of urinary tract infection and neck pain (7 patients, 9.7%). Conclusion: Traffic accident constitutes the main reason for cervical spine fractures followed by falls. Cervical spine fractures affect the younger age group with mean age of 25 year. A collar is sufficient treatment for more un displaced fractures. Seat belt is one of the restrains that shares in reduction of fatality and severity of cervical spine injuries.

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