SPINE FRACTURES

Questions and Answers

Burst Fracture:

Severe trauma leads to fractures that burst. They occur when strong stresses compress the vertebra. With burst fractures and unlike compression fractures, numerous sections of the vertebra shatter.  Bony fragments can spread out and cause spinal cord damage since the vertebra becomes entirely crushed. Doctors classify compression fractures as less severe than serious burst fractures.

• Flexion-distraction Fractures: You could acquire a flexion-distraction fracture if you’re in an automobile accident when your body gets thrust forward. Your spine flexes forward, but if you suddenly move forward and put a lot of force on it, you might shatter a vertebra or vertebrae. A flexion-distraction fracture typically involves fractures in the posterior and middle columns, according to the three-column paradigm.
• Fracture-dislocation: A fracture-dislocation occurs when one of the above fractures occurs and the vertebra moves considerably. These fractures usually affect all three columns of the three-column concept, making your spine extremely unstable.

Stable and Unstable Fractures

• Stable fractures do not cause Spinal deformity and neurologic (nerve) issues. The spine can still bear and distribute your weight rather effectively with a stable fracture (not as well as it could if there wasn’t a fracture, but it still functions).
• The spine has a hard time carrying and distributing weight when it has unstable fractures. Unstable fractures can get worse and inflict further injury. It’s also possible that they’ll result in spinal deformity.

Major and Minor Fractures

A minor fracture occurs when a portion of the posterior components of the vertebra breaks. The spinous process and the facet joints belong to the posterior parts. If you fracture this section of the spine, it does not cause major issues.

The vertebral body, pedicles, or lamina all shatter in a major fracture. Because it helps carry so much weight and disperses the impact of your movements, doctors will advise that a vertebral body fracture appears as a very serious injury. When shattered, the vertebrae can’t line up properly. The increased risk of nerve injury when the pedicles or lamina get fractured appears severe. Furthermore, the pedicles and lamina give a great deal of support to maintain your spine in place. Your spine can become unstable if they break.

Spine Fracture Causes

Simple daily movements such as stepping out of the shower, sneezing hard, or moving a light object can produce a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). This type of fracture collapses one or more spinal vertebrae because of bone compression in persons with severe osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones). Increased force or stress, such as falling or attempting to move a large object can generally produce a VCF in patients with mild osteoporosis. VCFs appear as the most prevalent kind of fracture in osteoporosis sufferers, impacting around 750,000 people each year. In the United States, VCFs affect around a quarter of all postmenopausal women. This ailment becomes more common as individuals become older, with an estimated 40% of women in their eighties and nineties suffering from it.

VCFs indicate a serious health risk for elderly males while being significantly more frequent in women. People who have had one osteoporotic VCF become five times more likely to have another. A VCF might sometimes only demonstrate moderate symptoms or no symptoms at all, but there exists a danger of more VCFs developing. A VCF usually occurs because of significant trauma, such as a vehicle accident, sports injury, or a hard fall, in people with healthy spines. Doctors look at metastatic cancer as a possible cause for people under the age of 55 who have little or no trauma. Many cancers spread via the bones of the spine. When this happens, parts of the vertebra may become destroyed by cancer, weakening the bone until it falls.

Prevalence and Comparison

Spinal fractures are a common occurrence, with millions affected each year. Among these, vertebral compression fractures are frequently reported. To put it into perspective, spinal fractures are about twice as common as hip fractures, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.

Understanding these factors can help in recognizing the signs and seeking appropriate care promptly.

Spine Fracture Symptoms

In addition to back pain, spinal compression fractures can result in:

• When you stand or move, the pain grows greater, but when you lie down, it feels better.
• A difficulty bending or twisting your body.
• Loss of stature
• A bent spine, stooping curvature.

Pain will usually occur by a little back strain during ordinary activities such as:

• Getting a grocery bag off the ground
• bending to pick something up from the floor
• Making a blunder or slipping on a rug
• Getting luggage out of a car’s trunk
• When changing bed sheets, lift the corner of the mattress.

Medical Treatment

Most fractures should heal when attached to an orthotic device for up to 12 weeks. Bracing helps to relieve pain and avoid deformities. To prevent additional injury, pain control, and stability should be the first steps in treating a fracture. Other injuries to the body, such as those to the chest, may occur and require care as well. Bracing and/or surgery may help, but it depends on the kind of fracture and how it affects the body’s stability.

Surgical Spine Fracture Treatment

Doctors will recommend Surgery in severe situations: Vertebroplasty, a relatively recent surgical treatment, works well when treating compression fractures. A catheter gets inserted into the compressed vertebra by the surgeon in this technique. The shattered vertebrae get injected with bone cement, which hardens and stabilizes the vertebral column. This method minimizes or eliminates fracture pain, allowing for a quick return to movement while also reducing bone loss from bed rest. It does not, however, repair a spinal abnormality. Under X-ray guidance, a tube gets inserted into the spinal column, followed by the insertion of an inflatable bone tamp.

The surgeon cuts the back with a slight incision. When the tamp gets inflated, it raises the vertebral body to its original height and creates a cavity for bone cement to fill. The cement protects the vertebra from collapsing by sealing fractures and holes. The tube gets withdrawn and the incision gets stitched upon the cavity being filled. The Cleveland Clinic demonstrated the efficacy of kyphoplasty on hundreds of patients. Surgeons can stabilize broken vertebrae by removing them and replacing them with a plate, screws, or a cage.

Consequences of Untreated Spinal Fractures

Leaving a spinal fracture untreated can lead to several severe complications. When a fracture heals improperly, the spine may develop abnormal curvatures, potentially causing deformities such as a hunched back. This misalignment can disrupt bodily functions by exerting pressure on internal organs and altering one’s physical appearance.

Impact on Mobility and Daily Life

• Impaired Movement: The spine’s misalignment makes walking or lifting painful, which can significantly impair mobility.
• Loss of Balance: A distorted spinal structure compromises balance, heightening the likelihood of falls.
• Self-Care Challenges: Reduced physical ability can hinder the performance of everyday tasks, decreasing independence.

Health and Well-Being

• Activity Reduction: Pain and discomfort often lead to decreased activity levels, resulting in more time spent bedridden.
• Appetite and Sleep Issues: Reduced mobility can also impact appetite and lead to sleep disturbances.
• Chronic Pain and Fatigue: Persistent back pain frequently accompanies untreated fractures, causing ongoing fatigue.

Psychological and Social Consequences

• Quality of Life Decline: The physical consequences of untreated fractures can lead to a reduction in overall life enjoyment.
• Emotional Strain: Feelings of isolation and sadness may accompany the physical limitations.

Long-Term Risks

• Future Fracture Hazard: Without proper treatment, the risk of subsequent fractures increases, compounding the health and mobility issues.

In summary, untreated spinal fractures can severely disrupt both physical health and overall quality of life, emphasizing the importance of timely medical intervention.

Spinal Fracture Prevention

Preventing trauma-induced spinal fractures appears as an insurmountable endeavor.  While certain circumstances cannot be avoided, preventative measures can protect you from serious injury.  The following addresses some of those methods.

Driving

When driving, always buckle up. Seat belts and airbags will protect you in the event of an accident, particularly your head, neck, and chest. You should adjust your seat to indicate 10 inches between you and the airbag to obtain the most protection from the seat belt and airbag. This will allow it to deploy without inflicting any further damage.

Falls

A little fall might shatter a bone if your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis or another ailment (e.g., cancer).

Sports

Always utilize safety equipment when engaging in any sport as spinal fractures can occur.

Outcomes

After a fracture heals, the patient should participate in rehabilitation, regardless of whether surgical or nonsurgical.

Rehabilitation Goals Achieve the Following:

• Reducing pain
• Restoring mobility
• Returning the patient to his or her pre-injury state as precisely as feasible
• To assist you attain these goals, your doctor may suggest both inpatient and outpatient physical therapy.

If you have an osteoporosis-related fracture, you’re more likely to have another one. Your doctor will suggest techniques to address bone density loss during your treatment and recovery. Complications, whether large or small can delay or impede rehabilitation and recovery in some circumstances. Inadequate fracture reduction, neurologic damage (paralysis), and increasing spine deformity worry doctors when they see patients in the hospital for the first time.

Why Choose the Scoliosis Institute and Spine Doctors to Treat Your Spine Fracture?

When considering treatment for a spine fracture, there are several reasons why patients may choose the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute with offices in  Dallas, Plano, and Frisco, Texas.

Specialized Expertise:

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine conditions, including spine fractures. The institute is staffed with highly skilled and experienced spine surgeons who have extensive knowledge of spinal anatomy, fracture patterns, and the latest advancements in fracture treatment techniques. Their specialized expertise ensures that patients receive comprehensive and effective care tailored to their specific fracture needs.

Multidisciplinary Approach:

The institute follows a multidisciplinary approach, which means that patients benefit from a team of healthcare professionals collaborating to provide the best possible care. This may include spine surgeons, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, pain management experts, and other professionals who work together to develop personalized treatment plans and coordinate ongoing care. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s condition are considered and addressed.

Advanced Treatment Options:

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities to provide advanced treatment options for spine fractures. This may include minimally invasive techniques, such as kyphoplasty or vertebral augmentation, which can help stabilize the fracture, relieve pain, and promote faster recovery. The institute stays up to date with the latest research and innovations in spine fracture management to offer the most effective and least invasive treatment options available.

Patient-Centered Care:

The institute prioritizes patient-centered care, focusing on individual needs, preferences, and goals. They understand that each patient’s journey becomes unique, and they strive to provide personalized attention, clear communication, and compassionate support throughout the treatment process. The institute values patient education and ensures that patients obtain a thorough understanding of their condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.

Track Record of Success:

The Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute maintains a track record of successful outcomes in treating spine fractures. They have helped numerous patients recover from spine fractures and regain their quality of life. Patient testimonials and success stories serve as evidence of the institute’s dedication to providing high-quality, effective, and personalized care for spine fractures.

Choosing the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute for spine fracture treatment ensures access to specialized expertise, comprehensive care, advanced treatment options, a patient-centered approach, and a track record of successful outcomes. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss individual needs and determine the most suitable treatment path.

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Footnote:

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:  Fracture of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine