Consequences of spinal injury

A DISCUSSION ON THE ANATOMY OF CHRISTOPHER REEVE’S INJURY








AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF INJURIES TO THE CERVICAL VERTEBRAE





In May of 1995, during the cross-country portion of such an event in Culpeper, Virginia, Reeve's Thoroughbred, Eastern Express, balked at a rail jump, pitching his rider forward. Reeve's hands were tangled in the horse's bridle and he landed head first, fracturing the uppermost vertebrae in his spine. Reeve was instantly paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe. Prompt medical attention saved his life and delicate surgery stabilized the shattered C1-C2 vertebrae and literally reattached Reeve's head to his spine. This assignment will examine the complications involved with Spinal Cord Injury, specifically in the case of Christopher Reeve.

What is the Spinal Cord? Why is it Important?
The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain to the end of the back. The spinal cord carries nervous system information for body movements an...