A compression fracture occurs when one or more of your vertebrae collapse, often due to the loss of bone density or injury.
Causes And Symptoms
- Compression fractures are typically caused by osteoporosis, trauma from a fall or accident, or in rare cases, a tumor.
- Symptoms can include sudden, severe back pain, worsening pain when standing or walking, and a decrease in height.
Diagnosis And Treatment
- The diagnosis process usually involves a physical exam, patient history, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
- Conservative treatments may include pain medications, back braces, rest, and physical therapy.
- Interventional treatments can include procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, which stabilize the fracture and help reduce pain.
Treatment Goals And Complications
- The goal is to alleviate pain, stabilize the fracture, and restore vertebral height.
- Treatment also aims to prevent further collapse of the fractured vertebrae, which may lead to nerve damage and spinal cord injury, as well as provide rapid recovery and mobility.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent more serious complications such as reduced mobility, respiratory compromise, and death.