Abstract

NEVES, Nuno. Lesões da coluna cervical subaxial. Rev. Port. Ortop. Traum. [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.3, pp.277-286. ISSN 1646-2122.

Subaxial cervical spine injuries are common and range from minor sprains to highly complex injuries predisposing to progressive deformity and catastrophic neurologic sequelae. Improvement in pre hospital care, with emergency teams trained in the management of the politraumatized, have led to earlier admittance to trauma centers, in better condition and higher possibility for recovery. A thorough clinical history, careful physical examination and appropriate imaging exams are crucial to establish the correct management for each case. Treatment should be individualized and based on the assessment of the mechanical instability of the injury, neurological status, and intrinsic patient factors. Independently of being surgical or conservative, the aims of treatment are: (1) alignment and (2) stabilization of the spine, (3) prevention of loss of neurological function, (4) optimization of neurological and (5) psychological recovery, and (6) functional rehabilitation. There are many possible complications, the most frequent being failure to initially recognize the injury, so a high index of suspicion should always be present.

Keywords : Cervical spine; frature; dislocation; cervical fusion.

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