In July 2013, a plane crash in San Francisco led to two deaths and countless injuries among the survivors. Spinal injuries were widespread, and one doctor explained that the passengers were violently shaken despite wearing seatbelts, according to the Associated Press.
Two of the surviving passengers were unable to move their legs while many others underwent spinal surgery in order to stabilize their vertebral columns. Dr. Geoffrey Manley, neurosurgery chief at San Francisco General Hospital, told the AP that the worst injuries were crushed vertebrae and torn ligaments that were unable to keep the back and neck joints in place.
“There was some blunt force injury from seatbelts and people striking their heads against the seat and armrests,” Manley told NBC News in a phone interview. “We have a lot of spine trauma.”
Along with spinal problems, some survivors experienced major abdominal and leg injuries as well as head trauma. At least 49 of the passengers were severely injured while some lucky ones only experienced bruises and minor burns. Some of the injured may suffer from permanent paralysis as the result of completely torn ligaments that can no longer hold the spine in place.
More adults were seen with serious injuries. Doctors say that children did not undergo severe traumas due to their greater flexibility. Many of the adult patients may need to undergo multiple spinal surgeries for years to come.
Surgeons who are qualified in artificial disc replacement, microsurgery, and vertebral fracture treatment may be sought after once these patients begin to rehabilitate.