Compression fractures of the back

Alternative Names

Treatment

Most compression fractures are found in elderly patients with osteoporosis. These fractures generally do not cause injury to the spinal cord. Treatment includes treating the osteoporosis with prescription medications and supplemental calcium.

Otherwise, these fractures are treated symptomatically with pain medicines. Some practitioners employ back braces, but these may weaken the bones more and predispose the patients to more fractures in the future.

While surgery is rarely needed, there is a new, minimally invasive technique that can help patients with intractable pain from osteoporotic compression fractures. A large needle is inserted with X-ray guidance into the compressed vertebra. A balloon is inserted into the bone through the needle and inflated, restoring the height of the vertebra. Sometimes, cement is injected into the bone to make sure it does not collapse again.

If the fracture is caused by tumor, the tumor may need to be biopsied (a piece of bone surgically removed and examined under a microscope to determine the nature of the tumor) and treated.

Fractures from trauma often require rigid bracing to protect the bone as it heals for 6 to 10 weeks. If there is bone in the spinal canal, surgery to remove the bone and fuse the vertebra together to stabilize the spine may be necessary.

Surgery is almost always necessary if there is any loss of function because of bone pressing on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most compression fractures from trauma will heal in 8 to 10 weeks with rest, bracing, and pain medications. This recovery time is extended by many weeks if surgery is necessary.

Osteoporotic fractures usually become less painful with rest and pain medications, but some do cause chronic pain and can be a source of great disability.

For compression fractures caused by tumors, the outcome depends entirely on the type of tumor involved and is variable. Some common tumors that involve the spine include breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and lymphoma.

Possible Complications

• Spinal cord or nerve root compression
• Kyphosis (hunchback)
• Failure of the bones to fuse (if surgery is necessary)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have back pain and suspect you may have a compression fracture.