Compression fracture of the spine

Compression fracture is a common spinal injury. It arises with simultaneous compression and flexion of the spinal column. All this leads to a fairly large increase in pressure on the spine, on its front structures - on the body of the vertebrae and disks. The body of the vertebra, when such a fracture occurs, is flattened in the anterior part and takes the form of a wedge. If the height of the anterior parts of the vertebral body decreases significantly, the back part of the body can enter the vertebral canal, which in turn leads to compression of the spinal cord. But such significant fractures, fortunately, are rare.

How can this vertebral fracture occur?

Most often compression fractures of the spine occur in the zone of the thoracolumbar junction( 1st lumbar and 11 - 12 thoracic vertebrae).Other localizations are also possible. Such fractures are formed during a transport accident, when falling from a height. Compression fractures can occur in the elderly and with minor trauma. This is due to the increased fragility of the bone. Also, such a fracture can be a complication of another disease, which leads to a change in bone density.

Uncomplicated fractures( when the spinal cord is not damaged), depending on the amount of compression are divided into three degrees. These degrees depend on the decrease in the height of the vertebral body.

How is the compression fracture determined?

In the event of a fracture of the spine as a result of external force, patients experience severe back pain at the time of injury. Sometimes pain can be given to the feet or hands. If nerve structures are damaged, numbness appears in the lower or upper limbs. If a fracture of the pathologically altered vertebra occurs due to a minor injury, only a minor back pain can be felt.

As confirmed by such a fracture of the spine

For verifying vertebral fracture, a spine X-ray is performed. Sometimes, for a more detailed study, a computed tomography( CT) scan is performed. With CT, it is possible to diagnose various lesions, and bone structures, and soft tissues.

If there is a suspicion of damage to the nerve structures( nerve roots, spinal cord), then necessarily perform magnetic resonance imaging. The principle of this tomography is to study the structure of soft tissues with the help of electromagnetic waves.

Compression fractures of the spine accompanied by the appearance of complications, even quite serious, leading to a disability patient. Complications - instability of the spine, the development of neurological disorders and kythophilic deformation.

If, due to a compression fracture, the vertebral body height is reduced by more than 50%, the risk of segmental instability is greatly increased, and this is the cause of chronic pain syndrome, damage to nerve structures, and also degenerative rapid changes in the damaged segment.

What is the treatment for compression fracture of the spine?

Treatment of this disease most often involves compliance with the protective regime, the use of special corset belts, recliners and taking analgesic drugs. Sometimes it is necessary and surgical treatment. In most cases, a strict bed rest is recommended for several weeks.

In the treatment of vertebral fractures, also in the prevention of complications, the most important place is occupied by special therapeutic physical training. This is a complex of physical exercises, which is aimed at creating a muscular corset, capable of stabilizing a segment of the spinal column. Physical exercises help improve blood supply to damaged structures, increasing their regeneration and reducing pain syndrome. The complex treatment of compression fractures also includes physiotherapy and special back massage. It is necessary to know that this fracture of the spine passes through a number of stages in its current. It is all the necessary procedures for the treatment of it appointed individually, taking into account the particular patient and the stage of the process. All medical measures are held under the strict supervision of specialists.