Vertebral compression fracture

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Compression fracture
Example of vertebral compression fracture.
SpecialtyOrthopedic

A compression fracture is a collapse of a

pedicles in the anteroposterior view.[3]

Signs and symptoms

Acute fractures will cause severe back pain. Compression fractures which develop gradually, such as in osteoporosis, may initially not cause any symptoms, but will later often lead to back pain and loss of height.[citation needed]

Diagnosis

Compression fractures are usually diagnosed on

MRI scans may be performed.[citation needed
]

  • Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.
    Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.
  • X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.
    X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.
  • Compression fracture of T12
    Compression fracture of T12

Treatment

Kümmel's disease, and may appear with the intravertebral vacuum cleft sign (at white arrow in image).[4]

Conservative treatment

  • Back brace for support while the bone heals—either a Jewett brace for relatively stable and mild injuries, or a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) for more severe ones.[5]
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain. For osteoporotic patients, calcitonin may be helpful.[6][7]

Surgical

  • vertebroplasty[8][9] are minimally invasive procedures that inject cement into the bone of the back that is fractured. However, the data examining the effectiveness of these procedures is mixed.[10][11]

References

  1. ^ Weber, Kristy (February 28, 2006). "Rounds 2: Treatment of Metastatic Bone Disease". Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
  2. ^ "Bone Infections". MedlinePlus. September 7, 2011.
  3. .
  4. .
  5. ^ "Jewett vs. TLSO Replies". OANDP-L on oandp.com. 2010-09-27. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
  6. ^ "Calcitonin for osteoporotic fractures". Archived from the original on 2009-06-08. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
  7. S2CID 34208503
    .
  8. ^ .
  9. .
  10. .
  11. .

Further reading

External links