The structure of the vertbrae

What is the structure of the vertebrae?

All vertebrae have the same fundamental structure. Each one is made up of an anterior vertebral body and a posterior vertebral arch.

Vertebral body :

Each vertebrae’s anterior section is formed by the vertebral body.

It is the component that carries weight, therefore vertebrae in the lower part of the column have bigger bodies than those in the top part (to better support the increased weight).

Hyaline cartilage lines the superior and inferior portions of the vertebral body. A fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc separates adjacent spinal bodies.

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Vertebral Arch :

Each vertebrae’s lateral and posterior aspects are formed by the vertebral arch.

The vertebral arch, in conjunction with the vertebral body, produces an enclosed hole known as the vertebral foramen. All of the vertebral foramina join to form the vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord.

The vertebral arches feature a number of bony prominences that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments:

Spinous processes:

Each vertebra has a singular spinous process that is located on the posterior arch.

Transverse processes:

Each vertebra has two transverse processes that stretch laterally and posteriorly from the vertebral body.

Transverse processes in the thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs.

Pedicles:

Link the vertebral body to the transverse processes.

Lamina:

Connects the transverse and spinous processes.

Articular processes:

Create joints among one vertebra and its upper and lower equivalents. The articular processes are found at the junction of the laminae and pedicles.

Classifications of vertebrae

Cervical Vertebrae

The human body has seven cervical vertebrae. They are distinguished by three key characteristics:

bifid spinous process:

The spinous process bifurcates at its distal end.

C1 (no spinous process) and C7 are exceptions (spinous process is longer than that of C2-C6 and may not bifurcate).

Transverse foramina:

an opening in each transverse process that allows the vertebral arteries to pass to the brain.

Triangular vertebral foramen:

Two distinct cervical vertebrae. C1 and C2 (the atlas and axis, respectively) are specialized to allow for head movement.

Thoracic Vertebrae

The twelve thoracic vertebrae are powerful bones in the center of the vertebral column, sandwiched between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae above and below. They, like other vertebrae, are separated by intervertebral discs. However, they have distinct physical traits that set them apart from other vertebrate groupings.

Furthermore, certain thoracic vertebrae are special in some way, either because of their structure or because they serve as a vital marker for physicians to orient themselves and find other anatomical structures. The spinal and longissimus muscles also interact with the twelve vertebrae.

Lumbar Vertebrae

the lumbar vertebrae are the five vertebrae located between the rib cage and the pelvis. They are the biggest segments of the vertebral column and are distinguished by the absence of the foramen transversarium within the transverse process (which is only found in the cervical area) and the lack of facets on the body’s sides (as found only in the thoracic region).

When seen superiorly, the lumbar vertebrae body is kidney-shaped, meaning it is broader from side to side than front to back, and it is somewhat thicker in front than the back, with a thin cortial shell that covers the cancellous bone.

They are labeled L1 through L5, beginning at the top. The lumbar vertebrae sustain the body’s weight and allow mobility.

Sacrum and Coccyx

The sacrum is a shield-shaped bony structure that connects to the pelvis and is placed at the base of the lumbar vertebrae. It is made of five sacral vertebrae, the sacrum is responsible for forming the posterior pelvic wall as well as strengthening and stabilizing the pelvis. The sacrum is joined at the extreme end by two to four small, partly fused vertebrae known as the coccyx or “tail bone.” The coccyx offers some support for the pelvic organs but is otherwise a useless bone.

What are the common causes of injured vertebrae?

Back injuries are common in accidents involving force.

However, the force does not necessarily have to originate from behind.

When struck from any direction, the spinal cord might be harmed. While we cannot cover every possible cause that might result in a back injury, we have highlighted some of the more prevalent causes of spinal injuries that result in compensation claims. They are as follows:

Sports injuries

Accidents on the road.

Physical assault.

Workplace falls from great heights

Birth injuries to the spinal cord’s neck area.

Slips and falls, such as sliding down the stairs

Medical malpractice during surgery. Claims against the NHS and private medical providers are also feasible.

What are the symptoms of injured vertebrae?

Damage to any segment of the spinal cord or nerves near the end of the spinal canal typically results in permanent alterations in strength, sensation, and other bodily functions below the site of the injury.

Spinal cord injury can result in one or more of the following symptoms:

Loss of mobility.

Sensation loss or alteration, including the capacity to feel heat, cold, and touch.

bowel or bladder control problems.

Excessive reflex activity or spasms.

Damage to the nerve fibers in your spinal cord causes pain or a stinging sensation.

Breathing difficulties, coughing, or removing secretions from your lungs.

How much can you claim from a vertebral injury?

It depends essentially on the severity of the injury, whether you are showing simple, moderate, or severe consequences from the incident. It also depends greatly on if it has affected your ability to go to work or maintain any physical activity that is important in your daily life.

Here are the most common spinal injuries compensation on average following an accident :

Compensation ranges from £91,090 to £160,980 for serious spinal cord and nerve root injury.

Where nerve root injury is less severe than described above, the range is £74,160 to £88,430.

Compensation ranges from £65,740 to £130,930 for major damage or fractures to intervertebral discs.

For disc lesions/disc fractures that contribute to chronic diseases, the range is £38,780 to £69,730.

When to claim for a vertebral injury?

Most personal injury claims have a three-year time restriction to file a claim. This applies to people who have suffered spinal injuries and often begins on the day of the injury.

However, it is crucial to note that spinal injury claims involving children are not subject to this time limit until they reach the age of 18, since a parent can file a claim on their behalf at any time until they reach the age of 18.

What to do if you suffered from a vertebrae injury?

spinal injury is a serious matter that can have lifelong consequences. If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Money may not be able to make up for the pain and suffering caused by a spinal injury, but it can help ease the financial burden. If you think you have a case, contact Win Wales today for a free consultation. They have a proven track record of winning spinal injury cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a spinal injury ruin your life. Claim your compensation now by visiting their website.

 

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