The vertebral column, also known as the spine, is a complex structure of our body which is part of the axial skeleton, constituting the central part of our body. The spine is composed of 33 smaller units called vertebrae, 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal. The vertebrae present a canal in their posterior part in which the neural system passes through and innervates different structures to allow sensation and movements. The cervical spine is particularly important as it has the double function of protecting the neural system that innervates the entire body and additionally allowing high degrees of mobility. For this reason, cervical spinal fractures are dangerous, and typically happen as a result of abnormal high excursion movements, or due to an impact, such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident. Depending on the point of the injury, typically classified by the level of the injured vertebra segment, significantly different symptoms can be reported by patients, from mild to severe pain, stiffness, neural symptoms, and decreased functioning. Aside from collecting data from the injury mechanisms and performing a physical assessment of the patient, an imaging examination (e.g.: x-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc.) is paramount to optimally visualise the specifics of the fracture.
Management
Based on the severity of the injury, significantly different treatment strategies can be implemented in the management of cervical spinal fractures. Due to their high-energy traumatic mechanisms and potential severe neurological consequences, patients with cervical spinal trauma are typically assessed by emergency doctors who have the paramount function of assessing the need for surgical stabilisation. Certain spinal fractures (e.g.: small and stable fractures that do not pose a threat to patients’ function) can be managed conservatively with rehabilitation, pharmacological intervention, and a hard cervical collar. In case surgical treatment is deemed necessary, several different procedures can be implemented based on the patient’s condition and needs. In Isokinetic, after being thoughtfully visited by one of our specialised doctors, your recovery process will be structured in different stages and take place in four different environments, the pool, the gym, the movement analysis and retraining room, and the pitch. In the early stages, the main goal of the rehabilitation is to minimise the symptoms related to the injury. Mobility recovery and muscle activation are typically progressed with respect to maintaining spinal stability. In the mid-stage of rehabilitation, neck and upper limb strength and stability recovery become the priority, together with the optimisation of the general movement quality to learn how to optimally coordinate neck and upper body movements. Finally, to complete the recovery process, on-field rehabilitation plays a fundamental role in allowing our patients to return to participate in their favourite activities, maximising their rehabilitation outcomes and reducing the likelihood of complications.