Minneapolis Spinal Fracture Attorney
Attorneys with Terry, Slane & Ruohonen have been honored many times for their exemplary representation, including Minnesota Top 40 Personal Injury Attorney, Minnesota Super Lawyers, and Minnesota Association for Justice Excellence Award. They are skilled, ethical personal injury lawyers with a reputation for successfully litigating difficult medical cases and they have recovered millions for victims of spinal injury. Call 612-362-0000 or submit our free contact form.
Spinal Fractures
Even minor falls or trauma can cause a spinal fracture. A spinal fracture is a spinal injury in which the vertebral body is compressed, even to the point of shattering. Pieces of bone may get into the surrounding tissue and the spinal canal.
Some spinal fractures do not require surgery, but major fractures can result in serious long-term consequences unless promptly and properly treated. Spinal fractures are assessed by the amount of deformity and spinal canal compromise, as well as the degree of loss of vertebral height and neurologic injury. In severe spinal fractures, spinal instability is a possibility. Spinal instability can bring the added risk of spinal cord injury and debilitating pain.
If you suspect a spinal injury, the physician should do x-rays, a CAT scan, and possibly an MRI to determine:
- if there is a fracture
- level of fracture
- the type of fracture (compression, burst, or fracture dislocation)
- if the spinal canal has been compromised
- spinal angulation
- the extent of soft tissue trauma
- bleeding
- ligament damage
Stable Spinal Fracture
A stable spinal fracture has little to no neurologic injury and the spinal column remains functional and can be treated without surgery. Treatment with a brace can lead to an excellent result. The brace is worn for 8-12 weeks to ensure adequate healing. Physical therapy will be prescribed once the brace is removed.
Unstable Spinal Fracture
If a spinal fracture is diagnosed as unstable, there is the possibility of neurologic problems such as:
- paralysis
- loss of sensations
- loss of bowel control
- loss of bladder control
These unstable spinal fractures usually require surgery to:
- stabilize and align the vertebral column
- address and improve neurologic status
- improve the prognosis for functional status
Unstable spinal fractures need to be treated immediately. Many of the same fusion procedures and instrumentation systems (such as rods, screws, and cages) used to treat degenerative spinal conditions are also used to treat these spinal fractures.
After any stabilizing surgery, some type of bracing is required for 8-10 weeks. Once the bracing is removed, physical therapy will be necessary to help return strength to the trunk and lower extremities.
Minneapolis Spinal Injury Attorney
Our Minneapolis Spinal Fracture Lawyers will review your case, handle the doctor and insurance issues, do all of the paperwork, and file your claim. Call 612-362-0000 or contact us.
