Compression fractures are quite the interesting condition as they can sometimes lay low and not be realized until they’re moderate to severe in some cases. For this reason, it’s important to pay close attention to your body, especially as you begin to age into your elder years. This time period of your life presents the highest occurrence of compression fractures as osteoporosis begins to occur much more often during this age range. Read on to discover more about compression fractures and how we at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants can help you on your journey towards recovery.
What is a Compression Fracture?
A compression fracture consists of the vertebral bone compression 15-20% in its height due to a fracture. It’s typically caused by osteoporosis and will often occur the most in older patients. While these compression fractures may occur anywhere in the spine, the most common area is within the upper back, or thoracic spine area. Within the upper back area, they’re even more common amongst the T10-T12 area.
Types of Compression Fractures
There are multiple types of compression fracture, and we’ll be briefly explaining them below:
Wedge Fracture
A wedge fracture is the most common type of compression fracture. It’s referred to as a “wedge fracture” due to the nature of its compression style. It creates a wedge-like vertebra when the condition occurs in patients.
Crush Fracture
A crush fracture is when the entire bone breaks, rather than just the front of the vertebra.
Burst Fracture
A burst fracture is when there is a loss of height in both the front and back of the vertebra. It’s quite important to distinguish the difference between a burst fracture and other types of fractures, as this fracture will sometimes cause neurologic compromise or a progressive deformity.
Compression Fracture Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of compression fractures consist of the following:
•chronic pain
•deformity (thoracic kyphosis, commonly referred to as a dowager’s hump)
•loss of height
•crowding of internal organs
•loss of muscle and aerobic conditioning due to lack of activity and exercise
Spinal Fractures are More Common Than You’d Think
To many people’s surprise, there are more than 700,000 cases of compression fractures each year. This number corresponds typically with those patients who also have osteoporosis. The osteoporosis condition weakens the bone structure and may result in conditions such as compression fractures in the spine.
Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Compression Fracture Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with a compression fracture, or you believe you may have a compression fracture, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. We’re here to help you resolve this issue and assist with providing solutions to help you fully recover from this painful condition. Feel free to fill out the form below and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.