EARTHQUAKE KNOWLEDGE UPDATE

EARTHQUAKE KNOWLEDGE UPDATEkapak

SPINAL FRACTURES

Yiğit Aksoğan1 Orhan Büyükbebeci2

1Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Gaziantep, Türkiye
2Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gaziantep, Türkiye

Aksoğan Y, Büyükbebeci O. Spinal Fractures. In: Kalenderer Ö, Servet E, editors. Earthquake Knowledge Update. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.159-170.

ABSTRACT

Spinal fractures occur due to the breaking of one or more vertebrae and are often caused by trauma, osteoporosis, metastatic diseases, congenital disorders, and genetic conditions. The spine provides structural support to the body and also serves as a protective structure for the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal fractures not only create physical issues but can also lead to neurological complications due to the damage of the spinal cord located within the spine. The spinal cord is a critical structure that allows the brain to send signals to the body and transmit information from the body back to the brain.

Spinal fractures are commonly associated with traumatic events such as falls and motor vehicle accidents. In addition, in earthquake-prone regions, high-energy injuries caused by building collapses, falling debris, or crush injuries also constitute an important etiological factor. These earthquake-related spinal fractures highlight the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment in disaster settings.

The treatment process for spinal fractures varies based on the type, location, severity of the fracture, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options generally range from conservative methods to surgical interventions. Surgical treatment is often preferred in younger patients, while conservative treatment may be prioritized in older individuals or those with conditions like osteoporosis. Emergency intervention may be required for patients exhibiting neurological damage. The treatment process necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to accelerate recovery and prevent complications.

The spine consists of five main regions: Cervical (neck), Thoracic (chest), Lumbar (lower back), Sacral (tailbone), and Coccygeal (coccyx). Each region serves distinct functions and contributes to the spine’s mobility and durability. The cervical region facilitates head movement, the thoracic region protects the rib cage, and the lumbar region carries the body’s heaviest weight. The sacral and coccygeal regions are parts of the pelvis and are generally less mobile. Fractures in each region can lead to varying degrees of neurological and physical complications.

In conclusion, spinal fractures are serious conditions that can be life-threatening but are treatable with correct diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play a critical role in restoring the patient’s functional capacities. Modern surgical and conservative treatment methods help patients recover more quickly and prevent complications.

Keywords: Spinal fractures; Spinal cord injuries; Spine; Injuries; Trauma nursing

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