Can a lumbar crush fracture cause paralysis?

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Whether a lumbar burst fracture will cause paralysis mainly depends on the severity of the comminution and whether the fracture fragments protrude into the vertebral foramen, compressing the nerves. If it is simply a comminuted fracture and the fragments do not protrude posteriorly and do not compress the nerve roots, then it will not cause paralysis of the lower limbs. However, if the fracture fragments protrude backwards and compress the spinal nerves, or even damage the spinal nerves, the patient may experience complete loss of muscle strength and sensation in both lower limbs. In this case, emergency surgery is required to relieve this compression and reduce the pressure on the nerves, thereby alleviating the symptoms. If lower limb paralysis occurs, long-term oral medication to nourish the nerves is needed to help the nerves gradually recover. Therefore, whether a fracture can cause paralysis mainly depends on whether the nerve is compressed by the fracture fragments. If there is compression, it will result in complete loss of muscle strength and sensation in the patient's lower limbs. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Post-syndrome of comminuted femoral fracture

The main sequelae of comminuted femoral fractures are as follows: The first is a delay in healing and nonunion of the fracture ends. Due to the comminuted nature of the fracture, local blood circulation has been damaged, and even with surgery, it is difficult to restore circulation. This can lead to delayed healing and nonunion of the fracture ends, generally requiring observation for around one year. If fracture lines are still clearly visible after a year, this confirms a nonunion, necessitating further surgery and bone grafting to restore the healing of the fracture. The second, in cases of nonunion, is the possibility of plate fracture. Many patients, unable to endure extended bed rest, need to start weight-bearing walking. If the fracture ends have not healed and weight-bearing occurs, the body's full weight concentrates on the plate, leading to stress fractures of the plate and screws. Should such stress fractures occur, immediate surgical intervention is needed to replace the internal fixation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How long does it take to walk normally after a comminuted patellar fracture?

If the surgery is performed without any issues, you can start normal knee flexion and extension exercises about three days after the surgery. Then, about a week later, you can begin walking with the aid of crutches. At six weeks post-surgery, you should return to the hospital for a follow-up. If there is continuous callus formation along the fracture line, you can walk normally. However, you need to be cautious at this time, as the fracture healing is not very solid, and it is best to avoid vigorous activities. Activities like running and jumping should be postponed until about three months later. Therefore, for patellar comminuted fractures, you can generally walk normally between six to twelve weeks after the surgery.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How long does it take for a comminuted patellar fracture to heal?

If the patella is fractured into fragments, conservative treatment is usually not chosen, and surgical treatment is necessary. There are several surgical methods, but as long as the fixation is sturdy and the joint surface recovers well, normal life and work can generally resume in about six weeks. Typically, a follow-up at the hospital is needed in the fourth week or the twelfth week after surgery. If there are no issues at these check-ups, normal work and life can continue. However, the internal fixatives such as steel pins, wires, or memory alloy bone clamps should be removed within six months to a year post-surgery. It is generally recommended that the internal fixation devices be removed around thirteen months after surgery when the patella has healed well, and the knee joint function has been restored, allowing for a return to a normal life. So, for a comminuted patellar fracture, recovery to normal life typically takes about six weeks, and the internal fixation devices can be removed in about a year.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Sequelae of comminuted fracture of the humerus

Regarding the sequelae of comminuted fractures of the humerus, in clinical practice, if treatment for humerus comminuted fractures is proactive and patients diligently engage in functional exercises without any nerve damage, most patients will not experience any sequelae. However, if treatment is improper, a series of sequelae can often occur, mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, if there is accompanying nerve damage that is very severe, it can cause patients to experience sensory disturbances or motor function impairments. Second, poor repositioning of comminuted fractures can lead to nonunion or malunion of the fracture, affecting normal functions of the patient. Third, long-term immobilization in the later stages can cause joint stiffness. When patients eventually start exercising, fear of pain may lead to insufficient exercise, resulting in very poor joint mobility, thereby affecting normal functions.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Is a comminuted fracture of the hip bone serious?

The answer is definitely yes. A comminuted fracture of the hip bone can affect the stability of the pelvic ring, thus absolute bed rest is necessary, and surgical treatment may be needed when required. Especially in middle-aged and elderly people, early ambulation after surgery can help avoid various complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest, such as three to six months, or even more than half a year, which could exacerbate complications in the elderly and even be life-threatening. Therefore, comminuted fractures of the hip are relatively severe and require active surgical treatment. Post-surgery, appropriate bed rest is also needed, and it is advisable to use a pulsating air mattress to prevent potential complications like pressure sores, and appropriate body massages should be performed to prevent the occurrence of lower limb venous thrombosis. Additionally, turning and patting on the back should be performed to prevent dependent lung pneumonia.