What is a vertebral process fracture?
A spinous process fracture is a break in a part of the spinal bone. This part of the bone is located toward the back of each spinal bone.
Is a fractured vertebrae the same as a compression fracture?
A spinal fracture due to osteoporosis (weak bones) is commonly referred to as a compression fracture, but can also be called a vertebral fracture, osteoporotic fracture, or wedge fracture.
What is the main cause of vertebral fracture?
Spinal fractures may occur due to a variety of factors. The most common cause is related to trauma such as high velocity car accidents, fall from height, or high impact sports. Other causes may include pathologic fractures related to osteoporosis or cancer.
What happens when you have a fractured vertebrae?
If the entire vertebral column breaks, it results in a burst fracture. If the compression is mild, you will experience only mild pain and minimal deformity. If the compression is severe, affecting the spinal cord or nerve roots, you will experience severe pain and a hunched forward deformity (kyphosis).
How long does it take a fractured vertebrae to heal?
This takes most of the pressure off the fractured vertebral body, and allows the vertebrae to heal. It also protects the vertebra and stops further collapse of the bone. Vertebral fractures usually take about three months to fully heal.
Is a fractured vertebrae serious?
Even minor falls or trauma can produce a spine fracture. Many of these injuries will never require surgery, but major fractures can result in serious long-term problems unless treated promptly and properly.
What is the treatment for a fractured lumbar spine?
Most fractures are treated with immobilization in a brace or corset for up to 12 weeks. Bracing helps to reduce pain and prevent deformity.
What is a vertebral fracture?
Vertebral fractures can be caused by direct or indirect trauma and are more likely to occur in patients with decreased bone density ( osteoporosis, osseous metastases ). Fractures may be stable or, if there is a risk of damage to the spinal cord, unstable. Diagnosis involves a detailed neurological exam and imaging ( x-ray, CT, etc).
What is a compression fracture of the vertebral body?
Compression fractures of the vertebral bodies are particularly worrisome in patients with severe osteoporosis. Fractures occur in these patients during trivial events, such as lifting a light object, a vigorous cough or sneeze, or turning in bed.
What is the incidence of fracture of the thoracolumbar spine?
While fracture of the thoracolumbar spine, including spinous and transverse process fractures, may occur in as many as 8 to 15 percent of blunt trauma patients admitted for care at major trauma centers, the rate may be as low as 1 to 2 percent among all patients evaluated in the emergency department following blunt trauma [ 3,4 ].
What are the treatment options for a cervical spine fracture?
Diagnosis involves a detailed neurological exam and imaging (x-ray, CT, etc). Stable fractures can be treated conservatively with analgesics and physical therapy. Unstable fractures require surgical intervention such as spinal fusion (spondylodesis), which joins vertebrae through internal fixation.
