Vertebral Body Compression / Wedge Fractures
Vertebral Body Compression / Wedge Fractures
Vertebral body compression fractures occur when the front part of the vertebral bone in the spine collapses. This is often due to osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. These fractures can cause sudden back pain, reduced mobility and changes in posture.
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Sudden severe back pain usually occurring after a fall or injury
Pain that is worse on standing, walking or lifting
Pain relief occurs often when lying down
In longstanding cases there can be loss of height or change in posture
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Clinical examination
Assessing pain location and tenderness to palpation
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X-rays and CT scans can demonstrate vertebral collapse and demonstrate the bone structure and extent of the fracture
MRI can be used to examine for evidence of nerve compression and distinguish age of the fracture
Nuclear medicine scans such as a CT SPECT scan can be useful to estimate the age of the fracture and the likely response to treatment
Treatment
Conservative management is usually first line and includes rest, pain medications, bracing and physiotherapy. Osteoporosis management is key to preventing further fractures.
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Can be used in select patients
A minimally invasive procedure performed using imaging guidance to inject medical grade bone cement into the fractured vertebra to prevent fracture movement.
In select cases can provide rapid pain relief and mobility
Complications are rare and include leakage of cement to cause nerve injury or pulmonary embolism
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A similar procedure to vertebroplasty and involves inflation of a balloon before the cement injection to restore height
For Referring Doctors
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