Spine Care
Joint Care: What is a Spinal compression fracture?
- Spinal compression fracture, also known as vertebral fracture, osteoporotic fracture or wedge fracture, is a type of fracture in the spine typically caused by osteoporosis. Cancer spread to the spine can also lead to this type of fracture.
- These fractures are associated with sudden back pain which can lead to chronic pain, deformity and loss of height.
- These fractures are very common and occur in approximately 700,000 people in the United States annually. It is estimated that 25% of all postmenopausal women have had a vertebral compression fracture. Compression fractures should be suspected in anyone over 45 years old with sudden back pain. These fractures can occur after fairly routine activities that slightly strains or jars the back such as lifting a bag of groceries or bending to pick something up off the floor.
Spinal Compression Fracture Symptoms:
- Sudden back pain
- Worsening back pain with standing/walking
- Easing of pain when lying down
- Vertebral deformity – kyphosis
- Height loss
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a spinal compression fracture, and are finding it difficult to perform your daily activities and maintain your way of life, contact your primary care physician immediately.
Vertebral Augmentation
Vertebral augmentation, also known as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the pain and loss of function associated with spine compression fractures. Vertebral augmentation is typically performed under moderate sedation with the patient asleep but arousable. One of two small needles are advanced under advanced x-ray guidance into the fractured vertebral body. A special balloon may be used to lift up the fractured vertebrae to restore height. Medical cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is then injected to immediately stabilize and restore strength to the fractured vertebrae. Pain relief is immediate for some patients and most patients see improvement within 48 hours.
Is Vertebral Augmentation right for me?
You may be a candidate for Vertebral Augmentation if:
- You are experiencing sudden back pain
- You are concerned about long-term consequences of spine compression fracture such as loss of height or vertebral deformity
- Do not want to wear back braces long-term
Benefits
- Multiple research studies demonstrating symptomatic benefit of treatment
- Reduce risk of long-term complications associated with spinal compression fractures
- Same day procedure
- No general anesthesia required
Risks
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to PMMA
- Spinal nerve inflammation
- Disability from spinal cord injury – rare
- Cement causing blockage of lung blood vessels – rare
Other Treatment Options
Medications
Pain medications will help reduce symptoms of spinal compression fractures allowing the fractures to heal on their own. Does not lead to height restoration or reduce risk of vertebral deformity. Addiction risk.
Back bracing
Provides external support to limit motion of fractured vertebrae. Does not allow for immediate pain relief or height restoration. Risk of vertebral deformity in long-term
Spinal fusion surgery
Surgery under general anesthesia where two or more vertebrae are fixed together to keep them from moving until they have a chance to fuse with each other. After an incision is made, metal screws are placed into the vertebrae. The screws are attached to metal plates or rods that are bolted together in the back of the spine. This is often used as the last resort therapy if other treatments fail.
