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Lumbar Compression fractures

Complete list of fracture information

The lumbar area of the spine is the lower section or lower part of the back.Lumbar Compression fractures occur when the vertebrae in the spine collapse from their normal height of an inch or so to about half that size.

General information about Lumbar Compression fractures

A compression fracture can occur throughout the spine, but most commonly affects two or more vertebrae within the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region, sometimes referred to as the thoracolumbar section of the back. A compression fracture is nearly always a serious injury, because the spinal cord is near each of the vertebrae and is at risk whenever they shift. A compression fracture is most likely to be caused by serious trauma to the spine, particularly in the case of falling from an extreme height. Because of the force necessary to cause compression fractures, they often occur in tandem with other injuries, including damage to the spinal cord and severe ligament damage. Nearly one-in-a-thousand people experience a compression fracture at some point in their life, though the level of damage varies greatly.

Diagnoisis of Lumbar Compression fractures

Physical examination may show kyphosis. There is also tenderness over the injured vertebrae.

A spine X-ray shows at least one compressed vertebra that is shorter than the other vertebrae.

If there is no history of significant trauma, a bone density test needs to be done to evaluate for osteoporosis.

If there is concern that the fracture was caused by a tumor eating and weakening the bone, a CT or MRI scan is necessary to get a better look at the bone. Also, if the fracture was caused by high energy trauma (fall from a height, car accident, etc.) then a CT scan is needed to see if there are bone fragments pressing on the spinal cord.

Treatment of Lumbar Compression fractures

Most Lumbar Compression fractures 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 Lumbar Compression fractures. 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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