Rehabilitation Strategies in Management of Complex Case of Cervical Burst Fracture- A Case Report

A burst fracture is a descriptive term for an injury to the spine in which the vertebral body is severely compressed. They typically occur from severe trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from a height. With a great deal of force vertically onto the spine, a vertebra may be crushed .If it is only crushed in the front part of the spine, it becomes wedge shaped and is called a compression fracture. However, if the vertebral body is crushed in all directions it is called a burst fracture. Burst fractures cause severe pain. The diagnosis of a burst fracture is usually made by x-rays and a CT scan. Occasionally, an MRI scan may be ordered as well, in order to assess the amount of soft tissue trauma, bleeding or ligament disruption. The review of the CT scan and x-rays allows the treating physician to make a determination as to the level of the fracture, whether it is a compression fracture, burst fracture or fracture dislocation. A spinal compression fracture also may be caused by trauma to the spine. Events that may cause trauma to the spine can include: A car accident, a hard fall or a fall from a height of more than 15 feet, landing on the feet, and a blow to the head. Any fall from a standing height that results in a spinal compression fracture or any other fracture most likely indicates weak bones due to osteoporosis. The physical exam should be performed to document both spinal deformity, that is, angulation of the spine or tenderness of the spine at the level of fracture, as well as, a neurologic exam. Neurologic exam should include testing of the muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes of the lower extremities, as well as, testing of bowel and bladder sphincter control. A 36 year old man was brought to the hospital as he had a fall from electric pole approximately 20 feet height. He had sustaining injury to the neck. Surgery was done as patient was diagnosed with C6 burst fracture with fracture dislocation of C5-C7. Therapeutic Interventions includes exercises, strengthening exercises, cervical fracture fixation, and traction.