About Spinal Trauma
Key Highlights
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Stabilizes the Spine: Prevents further injury and provides immediate structural support.Decompresses Neural Elements: Relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves to preserve function.Corrects Alignment: Restores the normal anatomical structure of the spine.listrongAlleviates Severe Pain:/strong Addresses the source of acute pain caused by the injury./lilistrongFacilitates Rehabilitation:/strong Creates a stable foundation for essential post-injury physical therapy./lilistrongPrevents Long-Term Deformity:/strong Helps avoid chronic issues like kyphosis or instability./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unstable spinal fractures (e.g., burst fractures, fracture-dislocations).
- Spinal cord compression with progressive neurological deficit (weakness, numbness, loss of bowel/bladder control).
- Significant spinal column misalignment or instability.
- Penetrating injuries to the spine with bone or disc fragments in the canal.
- Failure of conservative management (bracing, rest) for certain traumatic injuries.
- Progressive deformity or severe, intractable pain following trauma.
How to prepare
- Emergency Stabilization: Immediate immobilization of the spine with a collar or backboard.
- Comprehensive Imaging: CT scans and MRI to precisely define the injury and plan surgery.
- Neurological Assessment: Detailed evaluation of motor, sensory, and reflex functions.
- Medical Optimization: Management of other injuries and stabilization of vital signs.
- Patient & Family Counseling: Discussion of surgical goals, risks, and the recovery process.
- Pre-operative Checks: Blood tests, ECG, and anesthesia clearance.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and anesthesia complications.
- Neurological risks: Worsening of spinal cord or nerve injury, leading to increased weakness or paralysis.
- Hardware-related issues: Implant failure, malposition, loosening, or discomfort.
- Non-union or pseudoarthrosis (failure of the bones to fuse properly).
- Adjacent segment disease (stress on vertebrae above or below the fusion).
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or reduced spinal mobility.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak if the dura is breached.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Initial monitoring in ICU or step-down unit, followed by mobilization with physiotherapy.
- Pain Management: Controlled with medications, gradually transitioning to oral pain relievers.
- Bracing: A custom orthotic brace may be required for several weeks to months for support.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid bending, twisting, and lifting heavy objects as directed by the surgeon.
- Rehabilitation: A structured physical therapy program is crucial to regain strength, mobility, and function.
- Follow-up: Regular appointments for wound checks, imaging (X-rays/CT), and assessment of fusion progress.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial recovery; up to 12 months for full fusion and rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spinal trauma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spinal trauma in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform spinal trauma. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for spinal trauma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 1.2 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; up to 12 months for full fusion and rehabilitation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 4.2 Million | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial recovery; up to 12 months for full fusion and rehabilitation | Know More |
Top hospitals for Spinal Trauma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spinal trauma.
Sarah Reddy, a 42-year-old high school...
Sarah Reddy, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, was an avid runner. Her life changed when a distracted driver ran a red light, T-boning her minivan. The impact caused an unstable burst fracture of her L1 vertebra, with bone fragments threatening her spinal cord. She was rushed to the hospital with severe back pain, numbness in her legs, and weakness in her left foot. The spine surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that without surgery, the unstable fracture could shift and cause permanent paralysis. He recommended a posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation to stabilize the fracture and decompress the spinal cord. Terrified for her future and her family, Sarah agreed. The surgery was long but successful. Her post-operative recovery in the hospital was painful and filled with anxiety, but the numbness began to recede. After three months of rigorous physical therapy, she regained full strength and sensation. While she can no longer run marathons, she can walk, bike, and teach without pain. Emotionally, she transitioned from sheer terror and grief over her lost mobility to profound gratitude for her surgical team and a redefined appreciation for life's simple movements.
Spine surgeons for Spinal Trauma
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform spinal trauma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon