Compression Fracture Treatment

Compression fracture is also known as vertebral compression fracture, a condition which involves broken vertebra or vertebrae, which results in its collapse. As the affected vertebrae collapse and get compressed, the height of the spinal column also reduces. One of the common causes of compression fracture is serious traumatic accidents, like falling from an extreme height. It can also occur in people with weakened vertebrae, most commonly caused by osteoporosis, which is mostly seen in elderly women. Tumor and cancer can also lead to compression fractures of the spine. Even though compression fractures may occur at any part of the spinal column, it has been observed that the commonly affected regions are the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region. Compression fractures of the lumbar spine are more common than the others.

Symptoms of Compression Fractures of the Spine

The most common symptom of compression fracture is the sudden onset of chronic back pain, especially in the lower back. This pain may also radiate to the upper back and neck. In some cases, the affected person may experience pain in the hips, thighs or abdomen. The affected area may become swollen and tender. In most cases, compression fractures do not affect the nerves, if the latter get compressed, the person may feel numbness and tingling sensation, along with weakness. If the spinal cord is getting pushed, the patient may lose control of urination and passing stools. Another symptom of compression fracture is a curvature of the spine. This is mostly visible in people with multiple compression fractures, like, in those with osteoporosis. This noticeable curvature of the spine, which causes a hunchback is called kyphosis. As the size of the spinal column decreases, the overall height of the person also suffers. He may look shorter than normal. A spine X-ray can show the compressed vertebra or vertebrae. In case of serious trauma or if the fracture is caused by a tumor, then a CT scan or MRI is used to evaluate the condition of the patient. In case of osteoporosis, a bone density test may also be suggested.

Compression Fracture Treatment

Treatment for compression fractures depends on the cause. If osteoporosis is the cause, prescription medicines, calcium supplements and pain killers are used as treatment, because spinal cord injury is very rare. Some doctors recommend the use of back braces, but, it has been observed that back braces may worsen the situation. In case of serious accident or trauma, which results in compression fracture, surgery may be needed, in extreme cases. If the condition affects the spinal cord or nerves, then surgery may be needed. If there is any bone particle in the spinal canal, then also surgery is performed to remove that piece of bone. There are two types of minimally invasive procedures designed to treat compression fractures - kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.

Kyphoplasty: In this procedure, a half inch incision is made in the region, through which a large needle is inserted into the center of the broken or damaged vertebra. Then a balloon is inserted into the region of vertebral collapse. This balloon is inflated, so that the fragments of the fractured bone are back to their original position. If the shape and height of the vertebra is restored with the inflated balloon, it is deflated and the vacuum formed is filled with methyl methacrylate (bone cement). This cement hardens within a few minutes and the bone structure is restored to normal, by stabilizing the fracture fragments.

Vertebroplasty: This procedure is also similar to kyphoplasty. Vertebroplasty is also a minimally invasive procedure, wherein, local anesthesia is given to the patient and acrylic cement is injected into the collapsed vertebra, with the help of a biopsy needle, under X-ray guidance. This cement dries immediately after the injection and stabilizes the bone structure.

Now, you know the various modes of compression fracture treatment. Physical therapy and acupuncture are also found to be effective in controlling the pain caused by compression fractures of the spine. As the pain caused by compression fracture can be severe, it is best to avoid its occurrence. This is more applicable for people with osteoporosis, which can be treated, to avoid complications like compression fractures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.