Operative Management of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality resulting from either destabilization of the bony spine or neurological injury to the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Prompt medical and surgical treatment is essential to minimize chronic functional disability. Major non-operative issues are immobilization and management of hypoxia and hypotension to reduce secondary neurological damage to the spinal cord. Accurate diagnosis of the injury requires careful neurological examination and imaging. Optimal surgical decisions depend upon the need for decompression, reduction of any induced deformity, and maintenance and/or restoration of spinal stability. This report reviews the commonly used criteria, guidelines, and approaches for operative management of spinal injury.