Veertebral Compression Fracture
Vertebral Compression Fracture (Thoracic)
Overview-
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. A vertebra can crack just like any other bone in the body. When the vertebral body collapses, this is called a vertebral compression fracture. These fractures occur more frequently in the thoracic spine (the central portion of the spine), in particular in the lower part. These fractures are generally caused by a condition such as osteoporosis, a very hard fall, or another type of injury.
Causes-
The vertebrae may fracture or collapse due to reduction of bone tissue. Primary osteoporosis and menopause are not the only conditions responsible for the reduction of bone tissue. The loss of bone mass, which leads to increased risk of fractures of
this kind, is also determined by underlying conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, benign and malignant tumors, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Even particular pharmacological treatments, such as the prolonged use of corticosteroids, may contribute to the reduction of bone mass and thus to an increase in the risk of vertebral fracture.
Symptoms-
The symptoms of vertebral fractures vary depending on the type of fracture and usually are manifested by:
• Widespread pain up the arms or legs
• Swelling
• Loss of height (when it is caused by osteoporosis)
In cases where the fracture has caused nerve damage, the main symptoms are:
• Weakness in the legs and arms
• Numbness in the legs and arms
• Difficulties in performing the movements
Diagnosis-
The compression fractures are usually diagnosed by x-ray of the spine, where a wedge vertebra may be visible or there may be loss of height of the vertebra. Also, the bone density measurement can be performed to assess for osteoporosis. When the cause is suspected to be a tumor or fracture was caused by severe trauma, they can be carried out explorations by CT or MRI.
Treatment-
The treatment depends mainly on the extent of damage, the patient's age, the presence or absence nerve damage. Surgeons sometimes choose conservative treatment options initially after being diagnosed with a compression fracture. This can include pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, rest, and external reinforcement. These conservative methods want to reduce pain and / or allow healing to take place. If healing does not occur, surgical treatment option may be necessary.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty are surgical treatments your doctor may advise specifically for vertebral compression fractures.
• Vertebroplasty- a simply invasive process, which injects the special cement into the broken vertebral body. This treatment is mainly used to relieve pain and improve the strength of the vertebral body.
• Kyphoplasty, a simply invasive process in which a tube is inserted with a deflated balloon inside broken bone. Once inside, the balloon is inflated and then bone cement is injected into the space formed by the ball.
Prevention-
• Eat balanced diet
• Regular exercise to gain weight.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects and sudden twisting motions.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco
• Take doses of vitamin D and calcium.
Overview-
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. A vertebra can crack just like any other bone in the body. When the vertebral body collapses, this is called a vertebral compression fracture. These fractures occur more frequently in the thoracic spine (the central portion of the spine), in particular in the lower part. These fractures are generally caused by a condition such as osteoporosis, a very hard fall, or another type of injury.
Causes-
The vertebrae may fracture or collapse due to reduction of bone tissue. Primary osteoporosis and menopause are not the only conditions responsible for the reduction of bone tissue. The loss of bone mass, which leads to increased risk of fractures of
this kind, is also determined by underlying conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, benign and malignant tumors, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Even particular pharmacological treatments, such as the prolonged use of corticosteroids, may contribute to the reduction of bone mass and thus to an increase in the risk of vertebral fracture.
Symptoms-
The symptoms of vertebral fractures vary depending on the type of fracture and usually are manifested by:
• Widespread pain up the arms or legs
• Swelling
• Loss of height (when it is caused by osteoporosis)
In cases where the fracture has caused nerve damage, the main symptoms are:
• Weakness in the legs and arms
• Numbness in the legs and arms
• Difficulties in performing the movements
Diagnosis-
The compression fractures are usually diagnosed by x-ray of the spine, where a wedge vertebra may be visible or there may be loss of height of the vertebra. Also, the bone density measurement can be performed to assess for osteoporosis. When the cause is suspected to be a tumor or fracture was caused by severe trauma, they can be carried out explorations by CT or MRI.
Treatment-
The treatment depends mainly on the extent of damage, the patient's age, the presence or absence nerve damage. Surgeons sometimes choose conservative treatment options initially after being diagnosed with a compression fracture. This can include pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, rest, and external reinforcement. These conservative methods want to reduce pain and / or allow healing to take place. If healing does not occur, surgical treatment option may be necessary.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty are surgical treatments your doctor may advise specifically for vertebral compression fractures.
• Vertebroplasty- a simply invasive process, which injects the special cement into the broken vertebral body. This treatment is mainly used to relieve pain and improve the strength of the vertebral body.
• Kyphoplasty, a simply invasive process in which a tube is inserted with a deflated balloon inside broken bone. Once inside, the balloon is inflated and then bone cement is injected into the space formed by the ball.
Prevention-
• Eat balanced diet
• Regular exercise to gain weight.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects and sudden twisting motions.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco
• Take doses of vitamin D and calcium.