Spinal Fractures are breaks or cracks in the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine. These fractures can result from trauma, such as car accidents or falls, as well as from conditions that weaken the bones, like osteoporosis. Symptoms of spinal fractures can include pain, difficulty moving, and possible neurological issues if the spinal cord is involved. Treatment may range from rest and pain management to surgical intervention, depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Spinal fractures, also known as vertebral fractures, can occur due to trauma, osteoporosis, cancer, or other medical conditions affecting bone strength. These fractures can vary in severity, from mild compression fractures to more serious fractures that destabilize the spine. Spinal fractures, also known as vertebral fractures, can occur due to trauma, osteoporosis, cancer, or other medical conditions affecting bone strength. These fractures can vary in severity, from mild compression fractures to more serious fractures that destabilize the spine.
Spinal fractures, also known as vertebral fractures, can occur due to trauma, osteoporosis, cancer, or other medical conditions affecting bone strength. These fractures can vary in severity, from mild compression fractures to more serious fractures that destabilize the spine.
Causes: Spinal fractures commonly result from trauma such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports injuries. In older adults, osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures from even minor trauma or stress. Certain cancers that metastasize to the spine can also weaken bones and lead to fractures.
Types:
Compression Fractures: These occur when a vertebral body collapses or compresses due to trauma or osteoporosis. They often cause pain and a loss of height.
Burst Fractures: These involve the vertebral body breaking into multiple fragments due to significant trauma, such as a fall from height or a car accident. Burst fractures can lead to spinal cord compression and neurological deficits.
Chance Fractures: These are flexion-distraction fractures where the spine is pulled apart due to excessive flexion, often seen in motor vehicle accidents with lap seatbelt injuries.
Pathological Fractures: These occur in weakened bone affected by underlying conditions such as cancer or infection.
Symptoms: Symptoms of spinal fractures include back pain, which may worsen with movement, difficulty standing or walking, loss of height, and deformity in severe cases. Neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling may occur if the fracture compresses spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the fracture, assess its severity, and determine if there is any spinal cord or nerve compression.
Treatment Options:
Conservative Management: Mild fractures may be managed conservatively with pain medications, bracing, and physical therapy to help stabilize the spine and promote healing.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: For certain types of fractures, minimally invasive techniques such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be used. These procedures involve injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and relieve pain.
Surgery: Severe fractures with spinal instability or neurological deficits may require surgical intervention. Surgery aims to stabilize the spine, decompress nerves or the spinal cord, and restore spinal alignment.
