Traumatic Spine Fracture & Emergency Stabilization

(24/7 spine trauma care, rapid stabilization, and emergency spine surgery by Dr Abhishek Mannem | Bangalore Back)

Traumatic spine injuries arrive without warning. A late‑night two‑wheeler crash on NICE Road, a fall from a scaffolding site in Peenya, or a gym mishap that didn’t look serious at first—these are the real stories I see in our emergency room. In these moments, the first question I ask myself is simple: is the spinal cord safe? Because bones can be fixed; the spinal cord does not forgive delays. At Bangalore Back, our pathway prioritises rapid imaging, immediate stabilization, and early surgical planning. This tight, time‑bound approach prevents the silent enemy in trauma—secondary injury.

Understanding Traumatic Spine Fractures

A spinal fracture is not just a broken vertebra. Trauma can shift alignment, tear stabilising ligaments, or push bone fragments into the spinal canal. Some patients are able to walk into the hospital, yet carry a hidden instability that worsens with a small twist or an attempt to sit. The most common reason for deterioration before reaching us is incorrect handling—lifting, turning or transporting without spinal immobilisation. The single best rule until imaging is done: keep the spine neutral and avoid unnecessary movement.

Types of Traumatic Spine Fractures

Compression fractures – partial collapse after axial load or sudden impact
Burst fractures – vertebral body shatters; fragments may narrow the spinal canal
Flexion‑distraction (Chance) injuries – often seat‑belt related in high‑velocity crashes
Fracture‑dislocations – severely unstable, frequently causing neurological deficits
Cervical fractures (C1–C7) – high risk due to proximity to breathing pathways
Rotational / translational injuries – vertebra twists or shifts out of alignment

Common Causes

Two‑wheeler accidents on urban expressways and highways across Bengaluru & South India
Falls from height at construction/industrial sites (Peenya, Bidadi, Electronic City)
Sports and gym injuries with sudden, uncontrolled impact
Industrial heavy‑object trauma and machinery accidents
Osteoporotic collapse aggravated by a minor fall in older adults

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Sudden severe neck or back pain after trauma
Tingling, numbness, or ‘electric shock’ sensations into arms or legs
Weakness, foot‑drop, imbalance, or frequent collapsing
Loss of bladder or bowel control (treat as an emergency)
Visible deformity, painful spasm, or inability to stand
Feeling that the spine is ‘giving way’ with movement

Many of my elderly patients benefit from these techniques because the recovery is smoother and muscle pain is minimal.

Emergency Management at Bangalore Back

Our trauma response begins the moment a spine injury is suspected:

Spinal immobilisation during ambulance transport
ABC stabilisation in the ER; haemodynamic support
Whole‑spine CT for fracture mapping
MRI for cord compression, oedema and ligamentous injury
ASIA neurological grading to document baseline function
Early decision making—external bracing vs. urgent surgical stabilisation
Neuro‑ICU when polytrauma or respiratory risk is present

When Surgery Is Required

Surgery is advised when there is neurological weakness, cord compression on MRI, high‑grade instability (AO Type B/C), burst fracture with canal compromise, fracture‑dislocation, traumatic spondylolisthesis, or progressive symptoms. In unstable trauma, waiting is often more dangerous than operating.