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Och Spine Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Spinal Fractures

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How are Spinal (Vertebrae) Fractures Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects you may have a spinal fracture, they will first ask you about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Then they may perform:

  • A physical exam to assess your range of pain and range of motion
  • Imaging exams such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to create pictures of the spine. Your doctor will then be able to identify the location and severity of any fractures present
  • Bone density testing (dosimetry) to see if you have osteoporosis, a leading cause of compression fractures

How are Spinal Fractures Treated?

Treaments

If you have one or more fractured vertebrae, your treatment will depend on the fracture's type, location, and severity.

Nonsurgical options

Some patients receive nonsurgical treatments for spinal fractures to manage pain and stabilize the spine, including:

  • Rest to allow the fracture to heal
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription pain relievers
  • Bracing to stabilize the spine and reduce pain
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the core muscles around the spine and teach more effective ways of moving
  • Medical treatments, such as injections, to boost bone density and prevent future compression fractures

Surgery

Different surgical approaches as treatment for a fractured spine are available to repair fractured vertebrae, relieve pressure on the spinal cord, restore stability to the spine, and relieve pain.

  • Balloon kyphoplasty can be used to treat vertebral compression fractures. A tiny balloon is inflated inside the fractured vertebra first to restore its height. The cement is then injected into the expanded space to ensure the bone does not collapse again. Both procedures are performed under X-ray guidance.
  • Minimally invasive spinal fusion joins affected bones of the spine together with plates and screws, so there is no longer any motion between them. This procedure can be used to repair fractures and reduce spinal pressure, pain, and nerve damage.
  • Minimally invasive lumbar fusion does not require a large incision and is associated with a fast recovery time. A computerized image guidance system may be used to optimize the placement of screws and avoid injury to delicate nerve tissue.
  • Decompression surgery involves a surgeon removing the part of a fractured vertebra that is compressing the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots. Pressure is relieved by removing the arched part of the vertebra ("laminectomy") or the main vertebral body ("corpectomy").

FAQs

FAQs

Symptoms of a spinal fracture vary widely depending on the type and severity of the fracture. A compression fracture may not cause any noticeable symptoms, while a fracture caused by trauma may cause severe pain in the back or neck and weakness or numbness in the limbs.

Sitting with a neutral spine position and good posture is the best way to avoid aggravating a healing spinal fracture. A back brace may help keep your spine in alignment while you are recovering.

Most patients can expect to wear a back brace for six to twelve weeks after a compression fracture. It’s important to speak with your provider about when and for how long you should wear a recommended back brace.

Spinal compression fractures are serious and should be treated promptly. With treatment and rest, these fractures can heal within a few months. However, if left untreated they can cause serious complications and interfere with quality of life.

 

This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Justin Anthony Neira, MD

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Spinal Fracture Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian’s orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons are leaders in the treatment and management of spinal fractures. Our team can recognize the symptoms of a spinal fracture and create a care plan that addresses any spinal fracture case, from simple to complex.