What is a Compression Fracture?
Compression fractures are defined as fracture of the vertebral column that occurs in the setting where a healthy vertebral body would not have broken. Vertebral body fractures are most common in patients who have weaker bones or osteoporosis.
What Symptoms Does A Vertebral Compression Fracture Cause?
Compression fractures cause back pain in the location of the fractured bone. This may cause increased difficulty with mobility or difficulty carrying out activities of daily living due to the pain.
How Are Spinal Compression Fractures Diagnosed?
Most compression fractures can be seen on plain x-rays. Sometimes, an MRI or CT scan may be used to further evaluate the spinal fracture if x-rays are inconclusive. Dr. Michael Wheeler, your spine doctor in Dallas, can offer his thoughts.
What Are The Treatment Options For Compression Fracture?
The majority of vertebral fractures typically heal on their own and do not require any intervention. Sometimes bracing can be used to help stabilize the bone and allow for support. The most important treatment is the physical therapy of the underlying weakened bone. In fact, a compression fracture alone is sufficient to diagnose the patient with osteoporosis and should warrant pharmacologic treatment in addition to supplemental calcium and vitamin D.
Patients with a compression fracture should consult with their primary care doctor or endocrinologist to review the medication options for treating osteoporosis.
The majority of compression fractures will heal without intervention. In a select group of patients, a procedure called a kyphoplasty can be performed by spine specialists to help restore the structural integrity and height of the compressed vertebra.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
If you’re trying to decide whether surgery makes sense — or just want to understand what recovery would look like for your specific situation — that’s exactly the kind of conversation I have in consultation.
