The bones that compose the spine (or backbone) are divided into four basic segments. Spine fracture and back surgery animations.An unstable cervical spine can be associated with an increased risk of the spinal cord damage and can lead to weakness and dysfunction of the arms and legs. Unstable spines can be associated with an increased risk of the neurologic (nerve) damage. Whether or not the spine remains stable after such a break will depend upon on the severity of the fracture and the integrity of the spine's stabilizing structures. Spinal fractures can cause pain, instability and, in severe cases, paralysis. Vertebrae that have been weakened due to osteoporosis can break even as a result of a low level of trauma. When the spinal column experiences enough traumatic force, its bony elements can break (known as a fracture). The cervical spine (neck) houses nerves that make up the spinal cord. (n.d.).The spinal column consists of a series of vertebrae (made of bone) attached to each other by discs (made of soft collagen) and stabilized by a complex arrangement of ligaments, muscles and joints. Osteoporotic spinal compression fractures.Current concepts in the management of vertebral compression fractures. Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine.Diagnosis and management of vertebral compression fractures. The efficacy of bisphosphonates for prevention of osteoporotic fracture: An update meta-analysis. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Vertebroplasty is similar to kyphoplasty, except the surgeon injects the cement directly into the compressed vertebra instead of first using a balloon tamp. They then fill the space with a special type of cement that reinforces the vertebra. The surgeon inflates the tiny balloon inside the broken vertebra to restore its height and shape. They then insert a device called a balloon tamp into the needle. Depending on the nature of the fracture, a doctor may recommend kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty.ĭuring a kyphoplasty operation, the surgeon uses an X-ray as a guide while inserting a hollow needle into the fractured bone. Other nonsurgical methods for treating compression fractures include:ĭoctors reserve surgery for people with severe pain that does not go away with nonsurgical treatment. A brace works by restricting a person’s movement so that the broken vertebra can heal on its own. In some cases, doctors may recommend a brace. Some people can recover from a compression fracture with rest and limited use of pain relief medications. Treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical, depending on the severity of the injury. They may only find out that they have a compression fracture when they undergo imaging tests for another health issue. This usually worsens when a person changes positions, coughs, or sneezes, and it often improves with rest.Ī 2016 article in American Family Physician notes that over two-thirds of people with compression fractures do not have symptoms. Symptoms of a compression fracture include back pain, usually at the site of the fracture. Compression fractures can also arise due to tumors that started somewhere else in the body and traveled to the spine. Other causes of compression fractures include severe trauma, including road accidents, sports injuries, and hard falls. Osteogenesis imperfecta is another medical condition that causes the bones to weaken and may make a person more susceptible to compression fractures. Compression fractures of the spine are twice as common as broken hips and wrists among people with osteoporosis. This can cause instability and requires surgical repair.Įstimates suggest that compression fractures happen 1.5 million times yearly in the United States. 6:27 AM Wonder if any of the PTs out there have suggestions for the safest sleep position for those with severe osteo in the spine I understand that sleeping on your side with a small pillow between the knees is usually recommended, but Im having trouble keeping my shoulders from curving inward when I try to sleep like that. In rare cases, osteoporosis compression fractures involve the vertebra’s middle or back part. The bones do not usually move out of place in compression fractures and do not usually cause problems with the nerves and spinal cord. In most cases, the front of the affected vertebra fractures and gets shorter, and the back of the vertebra stays as is. The condition weakens a person’s bones to the extent that they break more easily. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures. Share on Pinterest Science Photo Library – MIRIAM MASLO./Getty ImagesĪ compression fracture is a bone break to the spine’s vertebrae.
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