Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Our 18-year-old son was involved in a serious hunting accident. He and a buddy were out using an abandoned tree stand they found. Our son fell out of the stand and broke his neck. It wasn't discovered until hours later because his partner was drunk and asleep. Could his paralysis have been prevented if he had been taken to the hospital sooner?

Spinal injuries are a common result of falls from hunting tree stands. In fact, in 1989, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported tree-stand falls were a leading cause of hunting-related injuries in the United States.

Spinal cord paralysis represents a large percentage of the injuries sustained from these kinds of falls. Fractured and dislocated vertebrae can compress and/or sever the spinal cord. Death can occur, though this is less common than paralysis.

Significant delay in treatment can make a difference. Today, high-dose steroids are given to reduce inflammation (swelling). The sooner this treatment is given, the less pressure is put on the spinal cord. A complete spinal cord injury with total paralysis can be minimized to a case of partial paralysis. And patients who might have otherwise been partially paralyzed have a chance at full recovery.

Delays can also be accompanied by hypothermia with its own long-term consequences. Additional treatment for multiple other problems extends the risk of possible complications.

The lack of communication with outside help is a disadvantage in a serious injury of this type. Patients who lay undiscovered for a long period of time may have a worse outcome than those who are transported to a medical center immediately.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.