Spinal Fusion Surgery Needed As Result of a Car Wreck

Spinal Injury Lawyers in Chicago, IL

A spinal injury is one of the most serious injuries that a person can sustain in a car accident.

A spinal injury can be a fracture somewhere along the vertebrae or disc herniation that may require a spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure that requires a long stay at the hospital to allow the back to heal properly. Depending on the location, type, and severity of the spinal injury, there are several kinds of surgeries a doctor may recommend.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Lumbar spinal fusion is done in the lumbar region of the vertebrae and involves taking a bone graft from the pelvic bone or another part of the body. The bone is grafted into the part of the injured spine and fused together for a new bone to form. Doctors may also use metal in the spine to hold the pieces together.

The recovery time can be several months and the patient may have to wear a back brace during the recovery period. There are risks involved, such as the body rejecting the implanted bone and an increased chance of developing infections, blood clots, nerve damage, and chronic pain. There is a risk of developing arthritis in the lower spinal region.

Cervical Spinal Fusion

Cervical spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the discs in the vertebrae and spinal column. It involves taking bone from another part of the body and grafting the bones together and promoting bone growth in that area. Doctors may remove discs and graft bones on either side to help stabilize the spinal column. This is a fairly successful procedure and can prevent paralysis. However, it can lead to many of the risks the lumbar spinal fusion has, and it may also cause a stiff neck and loss of normal range of motion.

Elderly Susceptible for Spinal Cord Injuries

A minor fall can lead to spinal cord injuries and permanent disability, especially in the aged.

Vanderbilt University published a study in the June 2015 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showing an increase in spinal cord injuries among those aged 65 years and older in the U.S. in the past decade.

• Between 1993 and 2012, there was an increase of about 68 million 65-year old and above who sustained spinal cord injuries in the U.S.
• This was a 61% increase in spinal cord injuries among this demographic.
• Women in this age group were 20% more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries.

According to one of the lead researchers, Dr. Nitin Jain, “spinal cord injury is a catastrophic injury that often results in permanent disability… these problems are likely to increase with our aging population.” Even a minor fall can lead to spinal cord injuries and permanent disability, especially in the aged.

What Has Caused This Increase?

The study suggests that people of this age group are less agile, making them susceptible to serious and life-threatening injuries. Researchers offered suggestions to reduce the number of falling accidents among the aged.

• regular eye check-ups and up-to-date prescription eye glasses
• proper fitting shoes
• a clutter free living environment
• monitor prescription medications, making sure there are no contraindications causing loss of balance and vision.
• use of walking or mobility aids

Getting a Second Opinion

When a doctor recommends having either of these surgeries, it is recommended to have a second doctor evaluate your tests. Make sure you can fully understand the benefits and risks associated with spinal fusion surgery.