Compression fracture (broken spinal bone)

Description A compression of th...

Description

A compression of the bones (vertebra) in the neck or back. These fractures are named by which vertebra in the spine are involved. There are 7 neck or cervical vertebrae, 12 in the middle of the back called thoracic vertebrae, and 5 in the lower back referred to as lumbar vertebrae. These fractures typically occur when a vertical force is applied to the head, feet or buttocks which causes a compression of the spine. This disorder is more common in the elderly population who have less calcium in their bones (osteopenia), and in these patients the fracture can occur from something as minor as sitting down too hard. Compression fractures are graded by how much loss of height has occurred to the vertebra. A loss of half is called a 50% compression fracture. If the fracture is severe the bone fragments can enter the spinal canal and damage the spinal cord resulting in paralysis.

Symptoms

Neck or back pain, pain that radiates into the arm or leg, numbness, weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, spinal tenderness, spine pain with sitting, constipation.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. An x-ray is typically done to confirm the diagnosis. At times it is difficult to tell a new compression fracture from an old injury. In these cases a CT scan or MRI may be done.

Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray

Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

Treatment

The treatment selected depends on the extent of the fracture and the symptoms being experienced. Small fractures may not require any treatment except for pain medications. Other fractures may require a procedure to build up the height of the vertebra with a glue like substance. This procedure is called a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. More severe fractures or those with injury to the spinal cord may need surgery such as a spinal fusion to stabilize the broken bone.