He is an SCI in a special hospital for spinal breaks. I know what all the stuff he's having done is. Halo traction etc. But what are T and C parts of the spine? I know that the lower the number - the higher up the break. What does complete mean? Incomplete? Where are the 'T's? The 'C's?
2007-04-07 06:16:00 · 3 answers · asked by falloutboy_rocks_mysocks 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
C 2 and C-3 are vertebrae in the neck (or cervical spine). T-3 refers to the middle back (thorasic). Complete or incomplete refers to how much of the spinal cord (which rests inside the canal of the vertebrae) has been damaged. The most significant information you have provided is that he has had a complete injury at C-3. At this level, he will be unable to control any upper extremity or lower extremity function and will be unable to breath on his own. Most likely, he will need a tracheostomy and be dependent on a ventilator 24 hours a day. He may need to be fitted for a "sip and puff" wheel chair which will allow him to control the wheel chair with his breath.
This is a very serious injury and I pray that he is kept comfortable and has much support from his family.
2007-04-07 06:44:24 · answer #1 · answered by mistify 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
C is cervical - the first 7 vertebrae starting below the head. Next is T - thoracic, which are the next 12 going down the back, and then L - lumbar, which are 5 vertebrae in the lower back. At the bottom is the sacrum and then the coccyx (tailbone).
2007-04-07 13:20:06 · answer #2 · answered by RadTech - BAS RT(R)(ARRT) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
C3-> cervical near the top of the nech
T3 -> thoracic near the top of the chest area
Complete and Incomplete refers to the drgree of breaking
2007-04-07 13:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by loligo1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋