- Huntsville
- Hampton Cove
- Madison
- Decatur
- Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures are a very common reason for back pain in elderly patients. They are most commonly caused from osteoporosis where the bones weaken over time and can break during events that normal bones would not. Ground levels falls are a common cause but often times they can occur from common daily actions such as simply moving a box or a flower pot or even getting up from a chair.
Patients often have no known specific event. Symptoms of a compression fracture may include sudden and severe back pain, limited spinal mobility, height loss, and a stooped posture. If the fracture occurs in the thoracic region, it can also cause difficulty breathing.
Treatment often involves a brace, medications, and activity restrictions. Kyphoplasty or vertebral augmentation is also a common minimally invasive treatment option where the fracture is stabilized with surgical cement after the insertion of a hollow needle called a trochar and a balloon tamp.
Compression fractures most commonly affect the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. They can be caused by various factors, including osteoporosis (a condition that weakens the bones), trauma (such as a fall or car accident), certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer that spreads to the spine), or repetitive stress on the spine over time.
Diagnosis of a compression fracture usually involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. These tests help to confirm the presence of a fracture, evaluate its severity, and assess any damage to the surrounding structures.
Treatment options for compression fractures depend on the severity of the fracture, underlying cause, and individual factors. Mild compression fractures may be managed with pain medications, rest, and the use of back braces to provide support and promote healing. Physical therapy exercises may also be recommended to improve strength and flexibility.
In cases where the fracture is more severe, additional interventions may be necessary. These can include minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, where surgical cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and reduce pain. In rare instances, surgery may be required to repair or stabilize the spine.
