Description
The vertebrae are the bones in the neck and back. Fractures are broken bones. The severity of a vertebral fracture depends on the location and whether or not the fracture affects the spinal cord. The most common fracture is a compression fracture of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. These commonly occur in elderly patients and can be the result of minor trauma such as sitting down too hard. Vertebral fractures can be true emergencies if the spinal cord is injured. Symptoms of weakness, numbness and/or loss of bowel or bladder control require an immediate evaluation.
Symptoms
Back pain that may become chronic, shortened height, hunchback (kyphosis), numbness, weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An x-ray, CT scan or MRI will usually be done to identify the fracture.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An x-ray, CT scan or MRI will usually be done to identify the fracture.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the location of the fracture, the size of the fracture and whether or not the spinal cord is injured. Some fractures require only pain medications and observation. Other treatment options include: kyphoplasty (injection of material into the vertebra to repair the bone), physical therapy, and surgical fixation.