![]() ![]() Multiple adjacent VCFs can lead to progressive kyphosis of the thoracic spine, resulting in a number of comorbidities, such as decreased appetite resulting in poor nutrition and decreased pulmonary function. Chronic back pain, which is associated with these kinds of fractures, leads to functional limitations and significant disability. 4–6 Vertebral compression fractures are as common in Asian women as in Caucasian women, and less common in African-American women.Īlthough less severe than hip fractures, VCFs can cause severe physical limitations. However, their risk is markedly less than that of women of the same age. 4 Men older than age 65 years are also at increased risk of compression fractures. 3 Population studies have shown that the annual incidence of VCFs is 10. 2 The prevalence of this condition increases with age, reaching 40% by age 80. 1 Approximately 25% of all postmenopausal women in the US get a compression fracture during their lifetime. When the balloon tamp is removed, it leaves a cavity that is filled with a special bone cement that strengthens the vertebra.Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) of the thoracolumbar spine are common in the elderly, with approximately 1.5 million VCFs annually in the general US population. The balloon tamp is inflated from within the vertebra, which restores the height and shape of the vertebral body. The surgeon then inserts a small device called a balloon tamp through the needle and into the fractured vertebra. In a kyphoplasty, the surgeon inserts a needle into the fractured vertebra using an X-ray for guidance. If you are a candidate for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, your doctor will talk with you about which procedure may be better for you based on the type of vertebral compression fracture you have. The best candidates for these procedures are patients who suffer severe pain from recent vertebral compression fractures. The two types of vertebral augmentation methods available are kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. Today, vertebral augmentation procedures offer a minimally invasive alternative. In the past, the only surgical options available to patients with vertebral compression fractures involved extensive procedures. If you have severe pain that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be considered. Your doctor will address treatments for bone density loss during this time. If your doctor has also diagnosed osteoporosis, you are at increased risk for additional vertebral compression fractures and other fractures, such as to the hip and wrist. It is important to note that when the fracture heals, the bone does not reform into its original rectangular shape, but if it is healed, it will not cause further collapse. ![]() In some cases, patients are instructed to wear a brace to restrict movement and allow the vertebral compression fracture to heal. ![]() Simple measures, such as a short period of rest and limited use of pain medications, are often all that is required. Osteoporosis treatment is crucial, as it has been found that more than 30% of people with a compression fracture in their spine are likely to sustain another fracture within a year.įortunately, most people who suffer a vertebral compression fracture get better within 3 months without specific treatment to repair the fracture. The DEXA results will help your doctor determine whether to treat your bone density loss with medications. The results of the DEXA will help your doctor estimate your risk for additional fractures in the spine and in other parts of your body. The extent of bone loss can be determined with Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), a type of bone mineral density scan. Osteopenia is a forerunner to osteoporosis, in which the bone becomes much more fragile and prone to fractures. X-rays will often show thinning of the bone throughout the spine - a condition known as osteopenia, or low bone mass. When you have a vertebral compression fracture, it is important to assess whether you also have osteoporosis and, if so, how severe the condition is. It can help your doctor evaluate whether your fracture has extended into your spinal canal, where your spinal cord and nerve roots are located. A CT scan shows both soft tissue and bone. It can also sometimes show whether a fracture is acute or chronic.Ĭomputed tomography (CT) scan. A bone scan can pick up any abnormal activity in bone, including the presence of fractures. In this MRI, the bright appearance of the fractured vertebra indicates edema, or inflammation, an indication of a new fracture.īone scan. ![]()
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