Trauma and Injury FAQ's
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One of the most fascinating areas of SpineUniverse is the community section, where real spinal pain sufferers have the opportunity to speak directly with leading Neurosurgeon, Gerald E. Rodts, M.D. of Emory University, and Orthopaedic Surgeon Rick C. Sasso, M.D. of the Indiana University School of Medicine. We present a series of interesting questions on trauma and injury. SpineUniverse answers appear in red. |
A recent car accident caused a compression fracture in my T-2 thru 6, after removal of the Minerva brace I have been experiencing a tingling sensation running from my hamstring area up my spine whenever I put my chin to my chest. A local diagnosis was LehrMeetz syndrome. Could I please get some information on this ailment and possibly some opinions to the long term effects. I am 19 years old and I understand that this is a very rare occurence in people my age. Thank you.
Posted by: James J.
Dear James J.: Lhermitte's sign is a
symptom which has been described as a shock-like sensation radiating
downt the spine, usually provoked by neck flexion (bending forward).
Shocks radiating UP the spine are sometimes referred to a reverse
Lhermitte's sign. These symptoms may be signs of pressure on
the spinal cord due to old fractured bone, bone spurs, herniated
discs, as well as many other possibilities. If a patient is experiencing
Lhermitte's symptoms, it is strongly recommended for that patient
to seek the advice and evaluation of a neurologist or neurosurgeon
or orthopedic spine specialist.
Posted by: Gerald Rodts, M.D. Date Posted - Mar 22 2000
how safe is new glue injection for spin compression fractures?
Posted by: patty t Date Posted - Mar 14 2000
Patty T.:Thanks for your question about
"glue" and spinal fractures. What you are referring
to is the new technique of injecting a liquid cement (polymethylmethacrylate)
through a needle into a fractured or compressed vertebra (bone).
This technique is new but has a track record now of at least
five years. It is specifically used in the treatment of compression
fractures in patients with severe osteoporosis. It is not the
first-line treatment. Most patients respond to the use of external
bracing and medication (which may include treatment for osteoporosis).
Patients very rarely need surgery for this type of fracture.
Injection of cement (called percutaneous methylmethacrylate vertebroplasty-
described on this website) has been proven safe and useful in
improving pain in patients that fail to improve with initial
therapy. Certain surgeons and radiologists have been trained
to perform this procedure.
Posted by: Gerald Rodts M.D.