Spinal Compression Fractures Treatment in Delhi, India
Overview
A spinal compression fracture occurs when the spinal bone is fractured. While it can happen to any bones in the spine, a compression fracture is most commonly observed in the mid-spine. Found most commonly in women, spinal compression fractures are believed to affect 25% of women above 50. Close to half the people above the age of 80 are likely to have had a compression fracture.
Associated Anatomy of Spinal Compression Fractures
Vertebrae or spinal bones
Alternate Name of Spinal Compression Fractures
Vertebral fracture, wedge fracture, osteoporotic fracture
Spinal Compression Fractures Causes
Spinal compression fractures are usually the result of:
- Osteoporosis: With age, the bones get more brittle and are more likely to fracture. In individuals with osteoporosis, compression fractures can occur from doing daily chores, sneezing, twisting, or sudden movement.
- Trauma: Accidents, serious falls, or injuries can cause compression fractures in people who don’t have osteoporosis.
- Cancer: A metastatic tumour could also be a potential cause of a spinal compression fracture, especially in individuals below 50 who have had no trauma history.
Spinal Compression Fractures Symptoms
The symptoms of Spinal compression fractures can be experienced in varying degrees, ranging from mild to very severe. While most individuals struggle to stand or walk without experiencing pain, it is common for some to not have any symptoms. Among the most common signs are:
- Sudden onset of chronic back pain, usually felt between the upper back and shoulders
- Lowered spinal mobility causing trouble bending or twisting
- Hunched appearance
- Numbness in the back and difficulty walking, usually caused when nerves in the spine are pinched
- Lowered bladder and bowel control, more common in severe fractures
- Decrease in height as the backbone is pressed and the back curves
- Reduced pain when lying down on the back
- Increased pain experienced while walking or standing.
Spinal Compression Fractures Diagnosis
An array of tests are used to diagnose spinal compression fractures and gauge their extent and recovery. These include:
- Spinal X-ray – to ascertain collapse of the vertebra and also look for other injuries
- CT Scan – to check the fractured bone in greater detail and examine surrounding nerves for impact
- MRI – to get a detailed analysis of discs and nerves surrounding the fracture
- DEXA Scan – to check for bone density and assess bone loss.
Spinal Compression Fractures Treatment
Courses of treatment vary according to the severity of the condition, the overall health of the individual, and the symptoms noticed. The endeavour of treatment in spinal compression fractures is to stabilise the bones in the spine, prevent further fracturing, and relieve pain. Options include:
- Back brace to support the vertebrae and relieve pain.
- Medication to help strengthen the bones.
- Medication for pain relief, typically including muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication.
- Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty – minimally invasive procedures to help offer better mobility, better relief from pain, and bone stability.
Risk Factors of Spinal Compression Fractures
There is a greater risk of suffering a spinal compression fracture in the case of:
- Individuals who have already had a compression fracture before
- Increasing age in both genders
- Menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Complications of Spinal Compression Fractures
Several complications from the condition may be experienced, such as:
- Delayed or absence of healing, causing surrounding bones and vertebrae to be damaged
- Spinal or nerve-related issues
- Chronic pain, typically in the lower extremities and back
- Problems in thoracic organs like the lung, heart, and digestive organs arising from the hunched back.
Spinal Compression Fractures Preventions
Primary Prevention for Spinal Compression Fractures
Although a variety of factors play a role in the presentation of compression factors and it is difficult to prevent, there are some definite ways to reduce its risk:
- Diets rich in calcium and Vitamin D can promote bone health and keep them stronger.
- Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes, since they can cause cancer and weaken bones.
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Secondary Prevention for Spinal Compression Fractures
To help reduce the recurrence of compression fractures and improve overall health after suffering a spinal compression fracture, your doctor may suggest:
- More movement to help strengthen the spine and regain full movement. This will help strengthen the bones and help prevent subsequent fracturing.
- Shed extra weight. In case there are weight-related issues, your doctor may advise reducing weight to help reduce pressure on the spine and improve osteoporosis.
- Review medication. Certain kinds of medication being consumed can accelerate bone loss.
Natural Progression of Spinal Compression Fractures
Although signs including lowered mobility and chronic pain are typical of compression fractures, the most pronounced symptom of progression includes significant loss of height. The condition qualifies as a spinal compression fracture when a minimum loss of 4cm is observed. In most cases, this is noticed within the first six months.
Epidemiology of Spinal Compression Fractures
Spinal compression fractures usually occur as the bones start to get more brittle. The condition is most common in:
- Elderly population – about 40% of those around the age of 80 and older are known to be impacted
- Postmenopausal women – over 25% of these women suffer a compression fracture in their lifetime.
Prognosis of Spinal Compression Fractures
It may take a few months to heal from a spinal compression fracture. During this time, the individual should ensure timely medication, adequate rest, and limited movement. Recovery time may vary from one individual to another depending on age, overall medical health, and severity of the fracture. Caution is always advised since the chances of experiencing another spinal compression fracture are significantly higher, especially in individuals with osteoporosis.
Pathophysiology of Spinal Compression Fractures
Common changes in the body include:
- Loss of vertebral height
- Deformity or hunching
- Lowered radiosensitivity
- Muscle spasms
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of bowel and bladder control.