Can a lumbar crush fracture cause paralysis?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Whether a lumbar burst fracture will cause paralysis mainly depends on the severity of the comminution and whether the fracture fragments protrude into the vertebral foramen, compressing the nerves. If it is simply a comminuted fracture and the fragments do not protrude posteriorly and do not compress the nerve roots, then it will not cause paralysis of the lower limbs. However, if the fracture fragments protrude backwards and compress the spinal nerves, or even damage the spinal nerves, the patient may experience complete loss of muscle strength and sensation in both lower limbs. In this case, emergency surgery is required to relieve this compression and reduce the pressure on the nerves, thereby alleviating the symptoms. If lower limb paralysis occurs, long-term oral medication to nourish the nerves is needed to help the nerves gradually recover. Therefore, whether a fracture can cause paralysis mainly depends on whether the nerve is compressed by the fracture fragments. If there is compression, it will result in complete loss of muscle strength and sensation in the patient's lower limbs. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Will a comminuted fracture of the tibia cause limping?

If a comminuted tibial fracture is treated correctly, with proper alignment and the shortening kept within one centimeter, limping will absolutely not occur. The reason for limping after surgery for a comminuted fracture is due to unequal leg lengths. There are many reasons for differences in leg length, but no matter the cause, if the difference is less than 1 centimeter, a person will absolutely not limp. However, if it is less than two centimeters, or more, it then becomes apparent that one leg is longer and the other shorter, resulting in a limp. Therefore, for comminuted fractures, whether it is of the tibia, femur, or another bone, as long as the alignment is properly maintained and the shortening is controlled to within 1 centimeter, postoperative recovery will be very good, without any limping.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Is a comminuted fracture of the hip bone serious?

The answer is definitely yes. A comminuted fracture of the hip bone can affect the stability of the pelvic ring, thus absolute bed rest is necessary, and surgical treatment may be needed when required. Especially in middle-aged and elderly people, early ambulation after surgery can help avoid various complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest, such as three to six months, or even more than half a year, which could exacerbate complications in the elderly and even be life-threatening. Therefore, comminuted fractures of the hip are relatively severe and require active surgical treatment. Post-surgery, appropriate bed rest is also needed, and it is advisable to use a pulsating air mattress to prevent potential complications like pressure sores, and appropriate body massages should be performed to prevent the occurrence of lower limb venous thrombosis. Additionally, turning and patting on the back should be performed to prevent dependent lung pneumonia.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Why can't it rotate five months after a comminuted fracture of the humerus?

Five months after a comminuted fracture of the humerus, the inability to rotate is due to the lack of early functional exercise post-fracture, leading to severe adhesions in the joint and upper arm muscles, which significantly restrict rotation. This condition can be gradually recovered through later functional exercises, slowly tearing apart the adhered muscles, and increasing the range of motion of the humerus. It is recommended that patients seek rehabilitation treatment in the physical therapy department of a hospital. Additionally, various physiotherapy methods can be used to improve local blood circulation, promote muscle healing, relieve joint and muscle stiffness, and methods such as electrotherapy and magnetotherapy can also be applied to assist in improving the rotational capacity.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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Why are elderly people prone to fragility fractures?

In clinical settings, elderly individuals commonly experience comminuted fractures, primarily due to their reduced levels of physical activity, which can lead to the loss of proteins, calcium, minerals, and moisture in the bones. This reduces bone strength and density, and if they have osteoporosis, bones can easily break into pieces when subjected to external force. Therefore, it is crucial to apply proper treatment methods promptly after a comminuted fracture occurs. This can involve manual reduction, external fixation, or surgical treatment such as open reduction and internal fixation. Postoperatively, treatments like electrotherapy and physical therapy, along with oral calcium supplements and bone-healing medications, can facilitate recovery. Nutritionally, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in proteins and calcium to aid in the healing of fractures.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How long will it take to walk after a comminuted fracture of the tibia?

The decision on when to walk depends on the recovery status of the fracture. Generally, a tibial fracture requires about 4-6 weeks of rest. Around 4-6 weeks, you can revisit the hospital for an X-ray checkup. If the callus is growing well, and the fracture line is blurred or disappeared, you can start using crutches to walk and perform functional exercises. However, recovery from a comminuted fracture takes longer, so an X-ray examination is essential before starting to walk. If the examination results show good recovery, then you can start walking. If you walk too early, it may interfere with the fracture healing, and in severe cases, it might even cause the fracture to break again. Therefore, the time it takes for someone with a comminuted tibial fracture to walk depends on the specific circumstances, and an X-ray examination must be performed before walking.