A Spinal Trauma Specialist Practicing in Houston, Cypress, Tomball & The Woodlands, TX

Medical professional examining a woman's spine

Spinal trauma is an injury that may involve the bones (vertebrae) of the spine, the spinal discs and/or the spinal cord itself. This type of injury can be caused by a direct blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes or compresses one or more spinal bones (vertebrae). It can also result from a penetrating injury that pierces the spinal cord, such as a gunshot wound. Because the spine contains vital nerves that transmit messages between the brain and the rest of the body, spinal damage can cause permanent changes in bodily functions.

If you experience head, neck or spinal trauma, you should immediately be immobilized and taken to the nearest emergency room or seen by a spinal trauma specialist to help prevent further damage and complications. At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, you can consult with Dr. R. Alexander Mohr, a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and spinal trauma specialist who practices in Houston, Cypress, Tomball & The Woodlands, Texas.

Signs of Spinal Trauma

Even a seemingly minor fall or collision can cause significant spinal trauma, especially if the spine is already weak, unstable or damaged due to an underlying condition, such as degenerative disc disease. Depending on the location of the injury, spinal trauma can cause varying degrees of:

Weakness in the arms or legs
Numbness below the level of the damage
Impaired bladder or bowel function

Treatment of Spinal Trauma

The optimal treatment approach for spinal trauma can vary depending on the location and severity of any fracture(s) and whether any nearby nerves or other tissues are affected. However, a key focus of treatment is always to prevent further injury. Swelling, inflammation, bleeding and fluid accumulation can cause additional damage over days or weeks. Medications may be administered to manage these effects.

A minor spinal fracture may heal well with external bracing. In some cases, spinal trauma surgery may be needed to repair a fractured or dislocated vertebra or to remove a bone fragment or other displaced tissue that is pressing on the spinal cord. Spinal fusion surgery may be performed to stabilize the spine. This type of procedure involves placing a bone graft between damaged vertebrae, then securing the bones with titanium screws, rods, and/or plates to hold them in place as they heal. In a case of a penetrating injury, an embedded foreign object may need to be surgically removed.

For patients who experience spinal trauma, Dr. Mohr provides a complete continuum of care that extends from diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation. To learn more, contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine to schedule a consultation in Houston, Cypress, Tomball & The Woodlands, TX.