Complex operations on traumas, inflammations or tumors of the spine
If a trauma with fracture (broken bone), an inflammation of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs (spondylodiscitis) or a tumor with involvement of bone structures occurs in the area of the spine, complex operations may be required. One goal is to relieve the spinal cord or the nerve roots from the pressure exerted on them. This is intended to avoid severe neurological deficits such as paraplegia or at least a worsening of existing symptoms. Secondly, in the presence of mechanical instability, stability must be restored. In these cases materials such as screws, plates or vertebral prosthesis are used as well, depending on the location and finding.
Patient with multiple fractures of the 1st cervical vertebra after a fall. Left: Depiction of fractures in CT axial, right: postoperative view of stabilizing osteosynthesis in CT sagittal with screws and plate
Patient with severe inflammation of the cervical spine (spondylodiscitis) and surrounding structures. Left: Depiction of inflammation on MRI sagittal with contrast agent. Right: Postoperative view of osteosynthesis with vertebral prosthesis plate and screws.
