Spine Disorders
TREATMENT Most compression fractures are detected elderly patients who have osteoporosis.
These fractures usually are not associated with neurological complications. In
these individuals the osteoporosis is typically treated with prescription
medications and calcium supplements. Sometime the pain associated with a
compression fracture is treated with medication such as an anti-inflammatory
and/or a pain killer. A back brace may be recommended to reduce stress on the
area and to help stabilize the involved region during the healing process. Long
term bracing may lead to further thinning of bone and weakening and atrophy of
supportive tissues. Surgery is rarely required to treat a compression fracture. There is a
relatively new, minimally invasive technique that can be used to help manage
the signs and/or symptoms associated with a compression fracture and also are
used to help stabilize weakened bone. The procedure is performed by placing a large
needle into the compressed vertebra. A balloon is then inserted into the bone
through the needle and inflated, restoring the height of the vertebra.
Sometimes specialized cement is injected into the bone to restore stability and
to strengthen the vertebrae to help make sure it does not collapse again. Surgery
is almost always necessary if there is neurological complications such severe
pain or a loss of function due to bone pressing on the spinal cord and/or
spinal nerves. If there is bone in the spinal canal, and/or if there is spinal
segment instability, surgery may be required to remove bone fragments and to fuse
adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine. Biopsy may lead to specific treatment of underlying cancer. PREVENTION Treating and preventing osteoporosis is the most effective way to prevent
these fractures. It is important to obtain treatment for unstable or
potentially unstable compression fractures to reduce the risk for
complications |