Spinal Trauma

Terminology

• Radiculopathy
• Myelopathy
• Quadriplegia
• Paraplegia
• Paraparesis

Vertebral Level Implications

• Above C4 → Loss of Ventilation

• C5 → Quadriplegia

• C5-T1 → Decreased Upper Limb Function

• T1-L1 → Paraplegia

• L2-L5 → Decreased Lower Limb Function

• L5+ → Impaired Sphincter, Sexual Functions. Foot/Ankle Weakness

• Cervical/Thoracic Cord Compression

• Conus Compression

• Cauda Equina, Compression Below L1

Trauma

Initial Assessment

1. ATLS Protocol
2. Airway, C-Spine Control