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Compression fracture back

Complete list of fracture information

A compression fracture is usually understood to mean a compression fracture of the spine, or vertebral compression fracture. A compression fracture occurs when a number of vertebrae in the spine are broken.

Vertebrae are the bones of the back. In a Compression fracture back of the vertebrae, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. More than one vertebra may be affected. This condition may be caused by osteoporosis (the most common cause), tumor, or trauma to the back.

When the fracture occurs as a result of osteoporosis, the vertebrae in the thoracic (chest) and lower spine are usually affected, and symptoms may be worse with walking.

With multiple fracture skyphosis, a forward hump-like curvature of the spine (think the Hunchback of Notre Dame) may result. Pressure on the spinal cord may occur producing symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness. Symptoms depend upon the area of the back that is affected, however, most fractures are stable and do not produce neurological symptoms.

Symptoms of Compression fracture back

The symptoms of a compression fracture may include severe limitation of motion, a reduction in sensation to the extremities, minor swelling, sharp pain in the lower back and a reduction in height. In addition to these direct consequences, pinching of the spinal cord itself may cause odd tingling or numbness throughout the body. Aside from those experiencing severe spinal trauma, those most at risk for a compression fracture are individuals with osteoporosis. Those with osteoporosis lose bone density, making it easier for the tissue of the vertebrae to collapse in on itself and cause a compression fracture. The worse the osteoporosis, the less trauma will be needed for a compression fracture to occur.

Treatment of Compression fracture back

Most Compression fracture back are found in elderly patients with osteoporosis. These fractures generally do not cause injury to the spinal cord. Treatment includes treating the osteoporosis with prescription medications and supplemental calcium.

Otherwise, these fractures are treated symptomatically with pain medicines. Some practitioners employ back braces, but these may weaken the bones more and predispose the patients to more fractures in the future.

While surgery is rarely needed, there is a new, minimally invasive technique that can help patients with intractable pain from osteoporotic Compression fracture back. A large needle is inserted with X-ray guidance into the compressed vertebra. A balloon is inserted into the bone through the needle and inflated, restoring the height of the vertebra. Sometimes, cement is injected into the bone to make sure it does not collapse again.

If the fracture is caused by tumor, the tumor may need to be biopsied (a piece of bone surgically removed and examined under a microscope to determine the nature of the tumor) and treated.

Fractures from trauma often require rigid bracing to protect the bone as it heals for 6 to 10 weeks. If there is bone in the spinal canal, surgery to remove the bone and fuse the vertebra together to stabilize the spine may be necessary.

Surgery is almost always necessary if there is any loss of function because of bone pressing on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

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