Monday 11 July 2016

Compression Fractures – Understanding the Condition and Treatment Options

Compression fractures are a type of fracture in the spine. These are mainly caused by osteoporosis. Compression fractures may occur in vertebrae anywhere in the spine. However, the lower vertebrae of the thoracic spine (upper back) such as T10, T11, and T12 are more prone to the fracture. Upper lumbar segments (L1) may also experience compression fracture


Types of Compression Fracture


Wedge Fracture 

It usually occurs in the front portion of the vertebra collapsing the bone. The back portion of the same bone remains unchanged, causing the vertebra to take the shape of a 'wedge'. This kind of fracture is also termed as a mechanically stable fracture pattern. Wedge fracture is the most common type of compression fracture.


Crush Fracture 

The entire bone breaks instead of the front portion.


Burst Fracture 

The fracture results in height loss in front and back walls of the vertebral body. Burst fractures are unstable and result in neurologic compromise or progressive deformity.


Symptoms

  • Acute back pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Height loss
  • Deformity (thoracic kyphosis or dowager's hump)
  • Crowding of internal organs
  • Muscle loss
  • Lack of activity leads to aerobic conditioning

A combination of the above symptoms of vertebral fractures may result in some significant changes in the self image of the patient which can adversely affect self-esteem. The patient also faces difficulty in concentrating and ability to carry on daily life activities. Since most of the damage is restricted to the front portion of the vertebral column, the fracture is stable and rarely result in spinal cord or nerve damage.


Treatment for Compression Fracture


Non Surgical Care

Compression fractures can be treated with non-surgical care. Patients are advised to rest and take medication to get relief from pain. Heat or ice packs can also help with pain relief and mobility.

Surgery

Surgery is recommended when the patient does not respond to medication and other non-surgical therapies. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are the two most common types of surgery for compression fractures.

Vertebroplasty 

It is minimally invasive treatment designed to decrease the intensity of pain or eliminate it completely. The surgery is performed to heal fractured vertebra and stabilize the bone. The surgeon injects low viscosity cement into the collapsed vertebral body under high pressure. This cement adds stability to the fracture and relieves back pain.

Kyphoplasty 

This is also a minimally invasive procedure that aims to decrease or heal the pain caused by a spinal fracture. The procedure also adds stability to the bone. It also restores some or all of the lost vertebral body height as a result of compression fracture.


If you are looking for compression fractures treatment so visit the following website :
www.spinecentermiami.com

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