Spinal Fracture Lawyers in Illinois

Illinois Spinal Fracture Injury Lawyers

Spinal fractures, medically referred to as vertebral fractures, are a significant health concern in the United States, with approximately 700,000 cases reported annually. Spinal fracture injuries involve a break or collapse of one or more vertebrae, the 33 interlocking bones that form the spinal column. The spine is divided into five regions: seven cervical (neck), twelve thoracic (upper back), five lumbar (lower back), five sacral (pelvic), and four coccygeal (tailbone) vertebrae. Each region of the spine plays a crucial role in protecting the spinal cord, supporting body weight, and facilitating movement. When a spinal fracture occurs, the victim often experiences severe back pain and difficulty moving around, impacting the daily life.

How Common Are Spinal Fractures?

According to OrthoInfo, vertebral or spinal fractures are among the most common osteoporotic fractures, occurring an estimated 1.5 million times each year in the United States. These fractures are almost twice as common as other fractures typically linked to osteoporosis, such as broken hips and wrists. Age is a significant factor in the prevalence of vertebral fractures. Studies have shown that the prevalence of these fractures increases with age, from less than 5% in individuals under 60 to 11% in those aged 70-79, and 18% in individuals aged 80 and above. This trend underscores the importance of proactive measures in older populations to prevent such injuries.

Causes of Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures can result from various traumatic events and medical conditions. According to data from the Mayfield Brain and Spine Clinic, spinal fractures are caused by:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Approximately 45% of spinal fractures are attributed to car accidents.
• Falls: Around 20% result from falls, particularly in older adults.
• Sports-Related Injuries: Sports activities account for about 15% of these fractures.
• Acts of Violence: Another 15% are due to violent encounters.
• Miscellaneous Activities: The remaining 5% stem from various other incidents.

Osteoporosis is a significant underlying condition that predisposes individuals to vertebral fractures. This bone-thinning disease weakens the vertebrae, making them more susceptible to fractures even with minimal trauma.

Symptoms of Spinal Fractures

The presentation of a spinal fracture can vary based on the severity, location, and type of fracture, as well as whether the spinal cord or nerves are affected. Common symptoms of spinal fractures include:

• Pain: Moderate to severe pain localized at the site of the injury, which may worsen with movement and improve with rest.
• Swelling: Inflammation and tenderness around the affected area.
• Deformity: Visible signs such as a hunched posture or noticeable curvature, especially in compression fractures.
• Neurological Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, indicating potential nerve involvement.
• Mobility Issues: Difficulty walking or reduced range of motion.
• In severe cases: Loss of bowel or bladder control and paralysis may occur, necessitating immediate medical attention.

How Is a Spinal Fracture Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of spinal fractures and involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. To diagnose a spinal fracture, a physician may perform or order the following:

• Physical Examination: A thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, symptomatology, and a physical examination to check for signs of spinal injury.
• Neurological Assessment: Evaluating sensory and motor functions to detect any nerve or spinal cord involvement.
• Imaging Studies:
  • X-Rays: Often the first imaging modality used to visualize bone structures and identify fractures.
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: Provide detailed cross-sectional images, offering a comprehensive view of the fracture and aiding in surgical planning if necessary.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Utilized to assess soft tissue components, including the spinal cord, intervertebral discs, and nerves, especially when neurological deficits are present.

Imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing spinal fractures. Lateral radiographs of the spine can be diagnostic of both osteoporosis and vertebral fractures, while a CT scan is considered the best method for evaluating spinal fractures, allowing clinicians to assess the spine in multiple planes to properly grade the extent of pathology.

Types of Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures are categorized based on the mechanism of injury and the fracture pattern. The primary types include:

• Compression Fractures: These occur when the vertebral body collapses, typically affecting the anterior (front) portion, leading to a wedge-shaped deformity. Commonly seen in osteoporosis patients, they can result from minimal trauma.
• Burst Fractures: Involve the vertebra breaking in multiple directions, often due to severe trauma like car accidents. Burst fractures can compromise the spine’s stability and may affect the spinal cord.
• Flexion-Distraction Fractures (Chance Fractures): These spinal fractures result from excessive forward flexion, such as in head-on collisions where the upper body is thrust forward while the pelvis remains restrained. These fractures can involve both bone and soft tissue injuries.
• Fracture-Dislocations: A severe injury where the vertebra fractures and the adjacent vertebrae become misaligned. This type of spinal fracture often leads to significant spinal cord injury and requires immediate intervention.

Treatment for Spinal Fractures

Treatment options for spinal fractures vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. The primary goal is to stabilize the spine, alleviate pain, and prevent further complications such as spinal cord damage. Treatment is categorized into non-surgical and surgical interventions.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many spinal fractures, particularly stable compression fractures, can heal without surgical intervention. Common non-surgical treatments include:

• Bracing and Immobilization:
  • Patients may need to wear a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) brace or a cervical collar to limit movement and support healing.
  • Immobilization can last 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture.
• Pain Management:
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are often recommended.
  • For severe pain, prescription medications like opioids may be necessary, though they are used cautiously due to the risk of addiction.
• Physical Therapy:
  • Once initial healing occurs, patients may undergo physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility.
• Osteoporosis Management:
  • Since osteoporosis-related fractures are common, treatment often includes calcium and vitamin D supplements as well as bisphosphonates to strengthen bones and reduce future fracture risks.

Surgical Treatment for Spinal Fractures

Surgery is typically required when the fracture is unstable, causes spinal cord compression, or leads to significant pain and deformity. Common surgical procedures include:

• Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty:
  • Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it.
  • Kyphoplasty is a similar procedure but involves inflating a balloon inside the vertebra first to restore height before cement injection.
  • Both procedures are minimally invasive and can significantly reduce pain and improve spinal stability.
• Spinal Fusion and Instrumentation:
  • Fusion surgery is necessary when the spine is unstable. It involves joining two or more vertebrae with bone grafts and stabilizing them using metal rods, screws, or plates.
  • This procedure is often required for burst fractures or fracture-dislocations.
• Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression Surgery):
  • A laminectomy involves removing part of the vertebra (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
  • This is often necessary for fractures that result in spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Complications of Spinal Fractures

Spinal fractures, particularly those affecting the spinal cord, can lead to severe complications, including:

• Chronic Pain: Even after healing, some patients experience long-term pain due to nerve damage or spinal deformities.
• Kyphosis (Hunchback Deformity): Multiple compression fractures can cause a forward curvature of the spine, leading to postural changes and back pain.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Severe fractures can cause paralysis, loss of bowel/bladder control, or permanent nerve damage.
• Blood Clots and Bedsores: Immobilization following a spinal fracture increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pressure ulcers in bedridden patients.

How to Prevent Spinal Fractures

• Exercise Regularly: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises help maintain bone density and muscle strength.
• Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoid heavy lifting, and use ergonomic practices to reduce spinal strain.
• Seat Belt Usage: Always wear a seat belt to prevent spinal injuries in car accidents.
• Fall Prevention: Install handrails, improve lighting, and use assistive devices if necessary, especially for older adults.

Contact the Illinois Spine Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Spinal fractures can be life-altering, but prompt diagnosis and proper treatment significantly improve outcomes. Understanding risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and legal rights can help individuals manage spinal fractures more effectively and seek compensation when necessary.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal fracture as a result of a car accident or slip and fall, contact the top-rated Illinois accident attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. With over 90 years of combined experience, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.