After being taken to a local hospital for first aid, Ly was transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Doctor Phan Duy Quang of the hospital's Neuroscience Center, said Ly was conscious upon arrival but experiencing severe lower back pain. She couldn't sit, turn, or move her lower body. An MRI revealed a nearly 50% compression fracture of her T12 vertebra, pressing on the nerves at the tip of her spinal cord. This posed a risk of paralysis in her legs and bladder dysfunction.

Doctors decided on surgery to relieve the nerve compression and stabilize Ly's spine, preventing further damage. The surgical team used a minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation technique to secure the fractured vertebra, minimizing blood loss, infection risk, and recovery time. Titanium screws were inserted into the pedicles of the adjacent T11 and L1 vertebrae, connected by rods to create a stable frame and reduce pressure on the compressed T12 vertebra.

Doctors perform spinal fixation surgery on Ly using the AI Neuro-Navigation Curve system. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctors perform spinal fixation surgery on Ly using the AI Neuro-Navigation Curve system. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

One day after surgery, Ly could sit up with reduced pain. Three days later, she was walking with assistance and discharged after 5 days. With good recovery and appropriate indication, doctors may consider removing the hardware after three months or continue monitoring without further intervention.

Ly practices walking with the guidance and support of a technician. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Ly practices walking with the guidance and support of a technician. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Ly admitted to falling asleep while riding her motorcycle home, causing the accident. Doctor Quang advised against driving while tired. For long trips, he recommended getting enough rest beforehand, staying hydrated, and avoiding fatigue to maintain focus.

Nhu Anh

*The patient's name has been changed