Compression Fracture of the Spine

Compression fractures are breaks where the bone is squished or pushed down. These are most commonly from a trauma but can also be found in elderly and other people with brittle bones and osteoporosis. The trauma is usually from a large fall of some sort. Osteoporosis is when the bone becomes weak and thinner making it more vulnerable. Some of the symptoms for a compression fracture include back neck or hip pain, loss of height, numbness, weakness, and loss of control of bowel or urine.

A compression fracture can be found by doing an X-ray, CT, or MRI. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the fracture. In some cases, the fracture can push on or damage the spinal cord. After being diagnosed with a compression fracture, a doctor may suggest wearing a brace, using hot/cold compresses, exercising, or possibly surgery. Although these fractures could happen to anyone, the chances can be decreased by keeping bones healthy and strong. Some of these include not smoking, exercising, and eating a balanced diet.

image: http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/Images/spine_images/COMPRESSION%20FRACTURE.jpg http://www.eorthopod.com/images/ContentImages/spine/spine_thoracic/compression_fx/thoracic_compression_fx_intro01.jpg

Clay Shoveler's Fracture

The Clay Shoveler's fracture is not a frequent fracture. It is a fracture most common in the lower cervical spine and common fracture near the spinous process. It's most common spine fractures include C6, C7, and T1 and is caused by sudden exertions or extensions of the spine. For this reason, it is most common in labors who do sudden movements with weight. The name originates from clay workers who shoveled clay and had this injury. This fracture results from hyperflexion and is noted to be an injury from snow shoveling. The muscles' force it was actually pulls the bone from the spine.

This fracture is usually determined with an x-ray. Surgery is usually not required and treatment is pretty simple. Many times the patient will just have to wear a neck brace for a given period of time. Full recovery is usually expected.

Images:

http://www.gentili.net/image.asp?ID=19&imgid=clayshoveler.jpg&Fx=Clay+Shoveler%27s+Fracture

http://brighamrad.harvard.edu/Cases/bwh/images/123/Alia8Arrow.GIF

Carotid Dissection

Carotid dissection forms from tears in the arterial walls. Narrowing or complete occlusion may occur from the blood flowing between the inner and outer layers of the artery. Blood clots can form from the dissection and can lead to a stroke or traveling emboli. Carotid dissection is a significant cause for ischemic strokes in people of all ages and favors neither sex more than the other. These dissections can be classified as traumatic or spontaneous. The spontaneous are known for causing strokes in middle-aged people. The traumatic are most commonly from trauma to the head or neck.

Some common symptoms include headache, neck pain, neck swelling, focal weakness, decreased taste sensory, and many others. There are numerous causes for this dissection. Oral contraceptives, hypertension, trauma, and many others. Some studies that can be done to diagnose dissection include angiography, MRA, CTA, Doppler or Duplex. Treatment includes observation, stenting, and rehabilitation depending on the situation.

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Ranula

A ranula is a type of tumor found on the bottom of the mouth or under tongue. These tumors can be hard to find and diagnose. They may change in size and not change in color from surrounding tissue, especially on a deeper one. If the ranula is noticeable, it may appear to be blue. If the ranula becomes large enough it may disrupt swallowing, breathing, or become painful. With swelling, the tongue may become elevated. In most cases, however, there is no pain associated with ranulas. Ranulas may result from obstruction in the sublingual salivary glands or less frequently the submandibulary salivary glands.

Diagnosis of ranulas may include palpation or appearance. Treatment may include a mouth wash to help, excision (cutting or removing) of the ranula, and draining are some of the options. It is not uncommon for ranulas to reoccur and come back.

Picture: http://www.kinderchirurgie.ch/atlas/atlaskopfhals/ranula.JPG