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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness And Hematoma On Lumbar Spine Caused After Injury?

I was in a motorcycle accident four months ago. I suffered two fractured vertebrae in the lumbar (L3 and 4). Within a few days of the accident, a hematoma formed over the area. The hematoma has not gone down. It presses on nerves, making it difficult to walk, stand and sit. I also have no sensation over the skin area.Two weeks ago, my family doctor used a syringe and removed about 1 1/2 cups of blood. The area felt much flatter for a few hours but got a bit bigger again. Later that day, I had a pelvic CT scan which showed that the fractures were healed. It also said there was no evidence of blood pooling or a hematoma.If the hematoma and blood are gone, what s on my back? How do I get rid of it? It is adversely affecting my daily activities. I am trying to regain my core strength, and I am severely limited on what I can do.Lisa
Mon, 20 Apr 2020
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

Noted your history of a motorcycle accident, development of hematoma with 2 fractured vertebrae, your Doctor aspirated the blood, review CT shows healed vertebrae and no hematoma and hence wants to know why the swelling and numbness over the affected area.
Sine your Doctor could aspirate so much a blood it is possibly removed and the remaining got absorbed hence not picked by CT scan. Another explanation is that the swelling is indicative of muscle spasm or edema.
Hence I would advise you the following:
Get a high resolution Ultrasound and get the fluid aspirated if present under ultrasonography guidance.
Consult your Orthopedic Surgeon and Physiotherapist for review and discuss whether you can restart your routine, physiotherapy and so on. Go ahead if and as advised.
Do not over-work or exert and complete healing takes 9 months for full strength.
Take the medicines as would be prescribed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, ENT and General Surgeon
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What Causes Numbness And Hematoma On Lumbar Spine Caused After Injury?

Hi, Noted your history of a motorcycle accident, development of hematoma with 2 fractured vertebrae, your Doctor aspirated the blood, review CT shows healed vertebrae and no hematoma and hence wants to know why the swelling and numbness over the affected area. Sine your Doctor could aspirate so much a blood it is possibly removed and the remaining got absorbed hence not picked by CT scan. Another explanation is that the swelling is indicative of muscle spasm or edema. Hence I would advise you the following: Get a high resolution Ultrasound and get the fluid aspirated if present under ultrasonography guidance. Consult your Orthopedic Surgeon and Physiotherapist for review and discuss whether you can restart your routine, physiotherapy and so on. Go ahead if and as advised. Do not over-work or exert and complete healing takes 9 months for full strength. Take the medicines as would be prescribed. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, ENT and General Surgeon