Spinal Compression Fractures treatment

Surgical treatment for Spinal Compression Fractures

Kyphoplasty: This is a newer procedure that involves placing a catheter with a balloon into a collapsed vertebral body and slowly inflating the balloon to help the fracture and restore height. Special surgical cement is injected into the cavity created by the balloon once it has been deflated. The goal is to keep the fracture from getting worse, and to restore vertebral body height. There is a lesser risk of leakage of the surgical cement when compared to vertebroplasty.

Vertebroplasty: This procedure is similar to kyphoplasty, but no balloon is used. A cement mixture of polymethylmethacrylate is injected into the vertebral body to lend support and stabilize the fractured spine. The goal is to reduce or eliminate fracture pain, but this procedure does not address spinal deformity.

Major anterior/posterior reconstruction/fusion: This is a major procedure with higher risks in the elderly patient. It is difficult to do surgery on weak bones that are fragile.

Nonsurgical treatment for Spinal Compression Fractures
Pain medications. A carefully prescribed "cocktail" of pain medications can relieve bone-on-bone, muscle, and nerve pain.

Over-the-counter pain medications are often sufficient in relieving pain. Two types of non-prescription medications -- acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- are recommended. Narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants are often prescribed for short periods of time, since there is risk of addiction. Antidepressants can also help relieve nerve-related pain.

Activity modification. Bed rest may help with acute pain, but it can also lead to further bone loss and worsening osteoporosis, which raises your risk for future compression fractures. Doctors may recommend a short period of bed rest for no more than a few days. However, prolonged inactivity should be avoided.

10 common questions about Spinal Compression Fractures treatment

1What is the treatment for compression fractures in the spine?

For the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for compression fracture. These treatments include pain medications and modified physical activity. The doctor may recommend wearing a brace that helps support the back and prevents bending forward, and therefore removes pressure from the fractured vertebrae.

2How long does it take for a compression fracture to heal?

8 to 10 weeks Most compression fractures due to injury heal in 8 to 10 weeks with rest, wearing of a brace, and pain medicines. However, recovery can take much longer if surgery was done. Fractures due to osteoporosis often become less painful with rest and pain medicines

3Is walking good for a compression fracture?

Low impact activities, such as walking or tai chi, are good for your heart, and a healthy circulatory system can increase blood flow to the fracture and help your bones heal faster. ... For many people, it's best to avoid physical therapy soon after a spine compression fracture to decrease stress on the fractured bone

4How serious is a spinal compression fracture?

The thinning bones can collapse during normal activity, leading to a spinal compression fracture. Spinal compression fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fractures. These vertebral fractures can permanently alter the shape and strength of the spine.

5Is heat good for compression fractures?

Treatment for the vertebral fracture will typically include non-surgical care, such as rest, pain medication, use of heat or ice for local pain, and slow return to mobility. ... Both types of surgery can help the fracture heal. Vertebroplasty.

6Is a compression fracture serious?

Soft, weakened bones are at the heart of the problem. Compression fractures are usually caused by the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis, especially if you are a woman over age 50 who has been through menopause. ... Even coughing or sneezing can cause compression fractures if you have severe osteoporosis.

7How do I get pain relief from a compression fracture?

The majority of fractures heal with pain medication, reduction in activity, medications to stabilize bone density, and a good back brace to minimize motion during the healing process. Most people return to their everyday activities. Some may need further treatment, such as surgery.

8How do you sleep with a compression fracture?

Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level

9Is a compression fracture a broken back?

Two examples are compression fractures and axial burst fractures. A compression fracture occurs when the front of a vertebra breaks and loses a little of its height, but the back of that vertebra remains intact. Symptoms include pain in the back and sometimes in the arms or legs

10Can a compression fracture get worse?

If a compression fracture develops quickly, you may feel sudden, severe back pain. A fracture doesn't always cause immediate symptoms, though. ... Slowly worsening back pain — lying on your back may relieve the pain and standing may make it worse. Decreased height.