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Vertebral Compression Fracture

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Vertebral Compression Fracture

(Fracture, Vertebral Compression)

Definition

A vertebral compression fracture is a break in one of the bones of the spine. It is most common in the bones that are at chest level.

Vertebral Fracture

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

factsheet imagehttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=46794679si1938.jpgsi1938.jpgNULLjpgCompression fracture lumbarNULL\\filer01a\Intellect\images\si1938.jpgNULL17NULL2004-03-04287390Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Osteoporosis is the most common cause. Weakened bones are more likely to break from:

  • Everyday actions, such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting light objects
  • Falling from a chair
  • Tripping

Other causes may be:

  • Trauma from:
    • A steep fall
    • A motor vehicle accident
    • A sports accident
    • Violence
  • Bone cancer

Risk Factors

A fracture caused by osteoporosis is more common in women who have been through menopause. A fracture caused by trauma is more common in young men.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

  • Mild to severe pain in the middle or lower back
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • Problems walking

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the spine.

Images may be taken. This can be done with:

Treatment

Underlying causes will need to be treated. The goal of treatment is to manage pain and help with healing. Options depend on the severity of the fracture. Choices are:

  • Over the counter or prescription pain relievers
  • A back brace
  • Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion

Some people may need surgery. Choices are:

  • Vertebroplasty —Liquid cement is injected into the bone to ease pain and restore movement.
  • Kyphoplasty —A balloon-like device is used to create a small space in the bone near the fracture. Then cement is injected into the space.
  • Spinal fusion —Two or more bones are joined together in the spine to keep them from moving.

Prevention

Treating or preventing osteoporosis can lower the risk of this problem.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/thoracolumbar-vertebral-compression-fracture.
  • Vertebral compression fractures. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Vertebral-Compression-Fractures.
  • Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/vertebro.
Last Updated:
2023-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.