Vertebral compression fractures is a condition caused by weakened bones or spinal injury. Knowing what causes these fractures and your treatment options is an important step towards pain relief and getting back to physical activity.
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a bone in the spine weakens and collapses, often due to osteoporosis(weakened bone quality), an injury, or in some cases, tumors affecting the spine.
Most people describe a compression fracture as sudden, sharp back pain that worsens with standing or movement. It can also cause a loss of height, a stooped posture, or reduced mobility over time.
The best way to describe many of these types of fractures is to think of an empty Coke can that can be easily deformed when extensive weight is placed on its outer structure. Once compressed, its almost impossible to reverse that deformity back to a perfectly appearing Coke can. But compression fractures can heal or be stabilized.
POSH specialists offer a range of treatments to help patients manage vertebral compression fractures, including nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical options such as a kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, or other treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.
Compression fractures typically develop when a vertebra weakens and can no longer support normal pressure. Common causes include:
Diagnosing a compression fracture starts with a thorough evaluation by a POSH specialist. Our specialists typically evaluate patients by:
POSH specialists work alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver nonsurgical treatments for vertebral compression fractures. These conservative approaches are often the first step toward relief before surgical recommendations.
When nonsurgical methods don’t provide sufficient relief, a POSH specialist will discuss surgical options, which may include:
