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Spine Injuries

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Neurosurgery

Part of the book series: Springer Specialist Surgery Series ((SPECIALIST))

Abstract

Spine injuries include injuries to the spinal column and also injuries to the neural structures including the spinal cord and nerve roots. The incidence of spinal cord injury is estimated at 30 to 40 per 1,000,000 persons. Spinal injuries are classified according to location and pattern of disruption of the ligaments and bony elements. Spinal cord injuries are classified according to the level and degree of function using the Frankel or ASIA score. Treatment of spine and spinal cord injuries includes the principles of realignment of the spine and protection of the spinal cord and nerve roots from injury or further injury. A combination of reduction, immobilization and often operative fixation are required to treat the gamut of injuries to the spine. It is important for physicians treating these patients to be familiar with the common and classic patterns of spinal column and spinal cord injuries and the treatment options for each. Pediatric patients represent a group at risk for certain types of injuries, due to unique biomechanical differences between the adult and the pediatric spine.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Dennis A. Velez MD

  2. Department of Neurological Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA

    David W. Newell MD

Authors
  1. Dennis A. Velez MD
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  2. David W. Newell MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. South West Neurosurgery Centre, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK

    Anne J. Moore MB BS, BSc, FRCS

  2. Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA

    David W. Newell

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© 2005 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Velez, D.A., Newell, D.W. (2005). Spine Injuries. In: Moore, A.J., Newell, D.W. (eds) Neurosurgery. Springer Specialist Surgery Series. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-84628-051-6_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-84628-051-6_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-85233-522-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84628-051-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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