Spine Fractures
A spine fracture is a serious medical condition involving a break in one of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. These injuries vary greatly in severity, from relatively stable compression fractures that result from weakened bones to catastrophic fracture-dislocations caused by high-energy trauma. The primary goals of treatment are to protect the spinal cord and nerves from injury, restore the stability of the spinal column, and manage pain to allow for recovery and rehabilitation. The specific treatment plan is carefully tailored to the type of fracture, its location, and the presence of any neurological injury.
Spine fractures have several distinct causes. High-energy trauma from events like car accidents or falls can lead to severe burst fractures, where the vertebra shatters, or highly unstable fracture-dislocations. In contrast, low-energy compression fractures are common in individuals with osteoporosis, where weakened bone collapses from minimal stress. Finally, a pathologic fracture occurs when a disease, such as a tumor, weakens a vertebra and causes it to break under normal physiological loads.
A spine fracture diagnosis involves a physical exam and is confirmed with imaging. An X-ray shows alignment, a CT scan details the bone, and an MRI checks for nerve or spinal cord injury.
Treatment depends on the fracture's stability. Stable fractures are often treated with a back brace, while painful compression fractures may be stabilized with injected bone cement (Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty). Unstable fractures require major surgery, such as a spinal decompression and fusion, to permanently stabilize the spine.
The prognosis for a spine fracture depends heavily on its severity and whether the spinal cord has been injured. With modern diagnostic tools and a wide range of treatment options, from bracing to complex surgical stabilization, many patients can achieve excellent outcomes. The focus of care is always on protecting neurological function, restoring spinal stability, and facilitating a safe return to activity.