CDHB
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are managed by the Burwood Spinal Unit team. Contact Burwood Hospital for the on-call Registrar or Consultant.
Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries need thorough investigation (refer to Spinal Cord Compression). Consultations should be made to Specialties as appropriate (e.g., Neurosurgery, Neurology, Orthopaedics, or Oncology).
Traumatic instabilities are defined as inability to weight bear or mobilize without risk of significant pain or neurological damage due to major structural damage to the spine if not adequately treated. Examples include odontoid, Hangman's, or teardrop fractures, or any dislocation or fracture dislocation in the cervical or thoraco-lumbar spines.
Low velocity injuries with cervical spine dislocations with neurologic symptoms and signs (rugby, trampoline, playfighting, gymnastics) should be reduced within the first 4 hours as neurological outcomes are much better if done so. Please refer them straight to the Spinal Consultant on call.
Topic Code: 17317