Vertebral fractures

Vertebral fractures occur in serious road accidents and falls from great heights. Spinal cord injuries are often associated with these fractures. These are absolute emergencies, as the prognosis for recovery depends on the speed of treatment.

Can all vertebral fractures be treated?

Unfortunately, not all types of vertebral fracture can be resolved. When your pet is admitted to the clinic, an assessment of locomotor function is carried out. In the case of total paralysis, the chances of functional recovery are often compromised, leading to palliative treatment and support with orthopaedic devices, and in the most severe cases, euthanasia.

In cases where limb mobility is preserved, a surgical solution is proposed.

What tests are needed to treat a vertebral fracture?

First and foremost, we need to know the animal's general condition and assess the risks of surgical intervention. Secondary fractures are always the result of violent trauma, and collateral damage is common. It is important to stabilize the animal before embarking on heavy treatment, which can sometimes compromise the results in terms of functional recovery.

In addition to those required to assess the animal's condition, the following imaging tests are essential for proper management of this type of lesion: MRI AND CT scan. The former is necessary to assess the condition of the spinal cord, and the latter to plan surgery correctly.

How are vertebral fractures treated?

Surgical treatment of vertebral fractures aims to stabilize the spine both upstream and downstream of the damaged area. During surgery, the spinal cord may be decompressed using laminectomy or hemilaminectomy techniques, combined with implants to stabilize the spine (screws, pins, surgical cement, custom implants, etc.).

New developments in 3D printing of custom implants offer highly promising solutions for surgical treatment.

What are the consequences of such an operation?

The immediate aftermath requireshospitalization to treat the pain and any other injuries caused by the accident.

When your companion returns home, it's essential to keep him or her at strict rest (e.g. placing your cat or small dog in a playpen) to avoid any displacement.

Nursing care is systematically required, sometimes for several weeks at a time. Functional re-education is necessary in all cases, and can prove restrictive.

Below is a video explaining how to care for your pet.

Will my pet be able to walk again?

Most vertebral fractures require surgery if functional recovery is to be achieved. In the vast majority of cases, not operating leads to permanent paralysis.

However, it is difficult, if not impossible in some cases, to determine the results of such an operation in advance. The aim is to eliminate pain and maintain your pet's autonomy in the long term.

Recovery is sometimes lengthy and requires a great deal of work, particularly in rehabilitation or physiotherapy.

Unfortunately, in some cases, the damage to the spinal cord is too extensive despite the care provided. After-effects may persist, and in the worst case, the animal may remain paralyzed.