Vertebral compression fracture
Compression fracture | |
---|---|
Example of vertebral compression fracture. | |
Specialty | Orthopedic |
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.
-
X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.
-
Compression fracture of T12
Treatment
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
References
- ^ Weber, Kristy (February 28, 2006). "Rounds 2: Treatment of Metastatic Bone Disease". Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
- ^ "Bone Infections". MedlinePlus. September 7, 2011.
- ISBN 978-0-7817-6135-2.
- PMID 19124637.
- ^ "Jewett vs. TLSO Replies". OANDP-L on oandp.com. 2010-09-27. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
- ^ "Calcitonin for osteoporotic fractures". Archived from the original on 2009-06-08. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- S2CID 34208503.
- ^ S2CID 209491.
- PMID 17277923.
- S2CID 19967779.
- PMID 21637959.
Further reading
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Compression fractures.
- Zeller, J. L.; Burke, A. E.; Glass, R. M. (2008). "Osteomyelitis". JAMA. 299 (7): 858. PMID 18285597.
- Medscape article on lytic lesions
- Emedicine article on spinal metastasis