The Common Spinal Surgeries After a Car Accident

Even seemingly minor collisions can have long-lasting and profound effects, particularly on the spine. And given the spine’s role in support and movement in your entire body, any injury can be debilitating.

Depending on the severity of a spinal injury, surgical intervention might be the best or only route to recovery. Here, our Ohio car accident lawyers delve into common spinal surgeries you might undergo.

Spinal Injuries After an Auto Accident

The spine supports our body and enables movement. A healthy spine has three S-shaped curves that absorb shocks, thus protecting it. The spine is composed of:

• Vertebrae: 33 small bones form the spinal canal, an opening that contains the spinal cord, protecting it. Most vertebrae move, creating your range of motion.
• Intervertebral Discs: These flat, round cushions separate the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers. They have soft, gel-like centers surrounded by a flexible outer ring. A disc can tear – or herniate – causing some of the fluid to leak. Bulging, slipped, or ruptured discs can be painful and limit movement.
• Spinal Cord & Nerves: The spinal cord consists of nerves going through the spinal canal from the skull to the lower back.

Common Spinal Injuries

• Whiplash
• Herniated/Bulging Discs
• Compression Fractures
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Spondylolisthesis
• Facet Joint Injuries
• Facet Joint Injuries
• Paravertebral Muscle Injuries
• Ligament Injuries

Spinal Surgeries After a Car Accident

Hopefully, by understanding spinal injuries and the surgeries used to treat them, victims can make well-informed decisions about their health, rehab, and legal options.

At KNR, we strive to make the legal process following an auto accident easy so you and your family can recover with confidence and full compensation.

1. Spinal Fusion

This is perhaps the most well-known spinal surgery after car crashes. Spinal fusion involves joining two or more vertebrae. This can alleviate pain, restore stability, or correct spinal deformities.

• The Procedure: A bone graft (either from your body, a donor, or synthetic materials) is used to fuse the vertebrae. Over time, this will solidify, joining the adjacent vertebrae.
• Your Recovery: Full recovery from a spinal fusion can take several months. Patients may need to wear braces and undergo physical therapy.

2. Discectomy

The discs in the spine act as cushions and can be damaged in a car crash. When they herniate, a portion of the disc bulges out, which can press against other nerves. This can be very painful and cause other symptoms.

• The Procedure: During a discectomy, the surgeon removes the herniated portion to relieve pressure.
• Your Recovery: Patients usually experience rapid relief after a discectomy. Most can return to regular activities within a few weeks.

3. Laminectomy

A laminectomy is often performed when there’s a need to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This pressure can be due to overgrowth, usually resulting from trauma like a car accident.

• The Procedure: The surgeon removes a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina, thus creating more space for the nerves.
• Your Recovery: Depending on the extent of the surgery, recovery can take a few weeks to a few months. Physical therapy often helps.

4. Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

These surgeries benefit spinal compression fractures, which are common back injuries after car accidents.

• The Procedure: In vertebroplasty, medical-grade cement is injected into the broken vertebra to stabilize it. Kyphoplasty involves inflating a balloon in the vertebra to restore height before filling it with cement.
• Your Recovery: These are minimally invasive procedures; many patients can return home the same day. Pain relief is often immediate, and normal activities can be resumed shortly.

5. Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)

This spinal surgery treats neck problems resulting from disc issues commonly caused by car accidents.

• The Procedure: The surgeon accesses the cervical spine through the throat. The damaged disc is removed, and the space is filled.
• Your Recovery: A brace may be required to stabilize the neck. Recovery can vary but typically from a few weeks to a few months.

The Costs & Recovery for Spinal Surgery

Surgical procedures involving the spine, especially complex ones, can be expensive. Besides the immediate medical costs, you should account for rehabilitation, potential loss of income, and long-term care. Insurance might cover some of the expenses, but there’s often a considerable burden on the patient.

You should not have to carry this burden if you were not at fault. So, it’s critical to understand your insurance policy and legal options for getting the full compensation you deserve.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at KNR

Spinal surgeries after a car crash often offer the best route to recovery. Medical advances have made procedures safer and more effective than ever. Early intervention can significantly impact your physical and financial recovery.

If you suffer a back or spine injury, seek medical attention promptly and learn your legal options ASAP. For a free, no-risk consultation with an Ohio personal injury lawyer, call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW.