A burst fracture in the spine can lead to severe back pain, numbness, and even paralysis. Surgical interventions like laminectomy and corpectomy can be crucial in treating such conditions. A laminectomy involves removing the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, while a corpectomy entails removing the vertebral body. For further information on burst fractures and their treatment, visit Columbia Neurosurgery.
Respiratory impairment is a significant concern following spinal cord injury (SCI). Depending on the level of the injury, the impact varies: minimal dysfunction occurs at L1 or below, while injuries between T5-T12 and T1-T5 lead to progressively weakened coughs due to impaired intercostal and abdominal muscles. Details on respiratory dysfunction post-SCI can be explored at UAMS PMR.
A thoracic corpectomy is performed to remove damaged vertebrae and discs in cases of trauma, tumor, infection, or degenerative diseases in the thoracic spine. Similarly, a thoracic laminectomy aims to remove the lamina for tumor access and spinal cord decompression, often followed by stabilization with instrumentation. Learn more about thoracic laminectomy at Columbia Neurosurgery.
Degenerative scoliosis and its treatments, along with conditions like a herniated disc, are further complications that can arise within the spinal column. To understand these conditions better, including the occasional fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra to the sacrum, resources are available at HSS and Columbia Neurosurgery.
Injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine require immediate attention due to the critical functions they support, including mobility and sensation. For more detailed information on these types of injuries, one can refer to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The back muscles, such as those attached to the spines of vertebrae T2-T5, are crucial for scapular movement and stability. Injuries or conditions affecting these muscles can impact back function and shoulder mechanics. For an in-depth understanding of back muscle anatomy, the UAMS Neurobiology provides comprehensive tables and explanations.
