That pain you feel in your neck could be the result of that injury you had a while ago. Neck injuries can take a long time to heal on their own, but living with the pain is not the answer. If you have a trauma-related neck injury and the pain persists, then it is time to see an orthopedic neck surgeon.
The role of orthopedic neck surgery in managing trauma-related injuries is to correct problems that won’t heal properly on their own. Some injuries require a specific type of intervention to heal, and our orthopedic neck surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can provide the care options that you need to make a full recovery.
The Initial Evaluation and Management of Trauma Patients
When a trauma patient has spinal injuries, specialized trauma surgeons perform a thorough assessment to determine the level of injury and the best approach for management, which may involve clearing the cervical spine and providing immediate surgical intervention if necessary.
The initial evaluation and management of trauma patients with neck injuries require a thorough understanding of the mechanism of injury and the potential impact on the cervical spine. Orthopedic neck surgeons are instrumental in conducting assessments, determining the appropriate level of care, and initiating interventions to address acute spinal cord injury and associated complications.
What Happens During an Assessment?
During the initial assessment, the orthopedic neck surgeon will perform a comprehensive physical examination to assess for any neurological deficits, including motor and sensory function, as well as signs of spinal cord compression. They will also assess for any signs of instability, such as pain with movement, abnormal alignment of the spine, and evidence of ligament or bony injury.
Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, may be necessary to identify the extent of the injury and any associated soft tissue damage. This information is crucial for determining the optimal treatment approach, whether it’s conservative management with immobilization or surgical intervention to stabilize the spine and decompress the spinal cord.
In cases of acute spinal cord injury, the orthopedic neck surgeon will work closely with other medical specialists, such as neurosurgeons and trauma physicians, to provide urgent care and management. In addition, the orthopedic neck surgeon will continue to monitor the patient’s progress and rehabilitation needs. This may involve ongoing imaging, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy to help the patient regain function and improve their quality of life.
The Role of Orthopedic Surgery in Trauma Care
Orthopedic surgeons play a critical role in the surgical management of cervical spine trauma. The utilization of cervical collars and the evaluation and management of trauma patients are key aspects of their involvement. Surgical intervention may be required in cases of severe trauma, where conservative management is not sufficient to address the injuries. This highlights the importance of trauma surgery and spine surgery in comprehensive care.
In cases where conservative management alone is not sufficient to address the extent of the cervical spine injury, orthopedic surgeons may recommend and perform surgical intervention. This can include procedures such as spinal fusion, internal fixation, or decompression to stabilize the spine and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. These surgeries are often complex and require a high level of expertise in spine surgery, making orthopedic surgeons well-suited to handle such cases.
Get the Help That You Need to Heal With NJ Spine & Orthopedic
Trauma-related neck injuries are a problem that doesn’t usually go away on their own. Fortunately, you don’t have to just sit and wait – our team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is here to help.
Our surgeons are ready to assess your condition and apply the right treatments to help you heal from a neck injury. Contact us at (866) 553-0612 or use this contact form to schedule a consultation so that we can help you heal.