Vertebral Compression Fractures

What are vertebral compression fractures?

Vertebral compression fractures occur when one or more of your spinal vertebrae break or collapse. These compression fractures cause pain, loss of height, and/or deformity. 

Vertebral compression fractures are more common than hip fractures and often lead to disability. 

What causes vertebral compression fractures?

Osteoporosis is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes bones weak and brittle and more vulnerable to fractures. 

With the bone disease, you can develop a vertebral compression fracture performing everyday tasks such as showering or lifting a light object. 

In many cases, if you have osteoporosis and suffer a vertebral compression fracture, you’re five times more likely to develop a second fracture.

Trauma to the spine can also lead to a vertebral compression fracture in those without osteoporosis. Metastatic tumors may also cause breaks in your vertebral bones. 

What are vertebral compression fracture symptoms?

The sudden and unexpected onset of back pain is the most common symptom of vertebral compression fractures. Other symptoms include:

• A decrease in spinal mobility
• Height loss
• Spinal deformity
• Pain that worsens during activity

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should schedule a consultation with the specialists at Vascular and Interventional Associates.

How are vertebral compression fractures diagnosed?

The team at Vascular and Interventional Associates diagnoses vertebral compression fractures after a comprehensive exam. During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your back and spine.

To confirm a vertebral compression fracture, the team may request diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. 

How are vertebral compression fractures treated?

Until recently, doctors had few treatment options for osteoporosis-related spine fractures, which included pain medications, bed rest, bracing, and invasive spine surgery. With advances in medical and surgical treatments, you now have more treatment options.

The team at Vascular and Interventional Associates uses the most up-to-date treatments for vertebral compression fractures. To alleviate pain, the team may recommend epidural steroid injections.

To stabilize your fracture, the interventional spine specialists offer vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. During these minimally invasive procedures, your specialist injects a cement-like substance into your fractured vertebrae. 

Vertebroplasty alleviates pain and prevents further height loss, and kyphoplasty restores height and may reduce your risk of spinal deformity. 

To learn more about advanced treatment options for vertebral compression fractures, call Vascular and Interventional Associates or schedule an appointment online today.