The UCSF Spine Center brings together experts in orthopedics,
neurosurgery, physiatry and other related areas to treat spine
trauma or injuries to bones in the spine, spinal cord and nearby
nerves. Managing severely traumatized patients often requires
expertise in skeletal fixation, soft tissue injury, intensive
care management and rehabilitation. As part of an academic
medical center, our patients have access to procedures,
technology and medications such as the new minimally invasive
kyphoplasty treatment for spinal fractures resulting from
osteoporosis, one of the most common afflictions of our aging
population. We also work closely with leading edge diagnostic
radiologists who can detect fractures that may not show up on
conventional imaging machinery. Car accidents, falls and sports
injuries are examples of trauma that can cause spine fractures.
Spine fractures caused by trauma — such as a sudden blow or
injury to the vertebrae — can occur anywhere on the spine,
including bones in the neck or cervical sp