Fracture of The Spine

Spinal fractures can vary widely in severity. While some fractures are very serious injuries that require emergency treatment, other fractures can be the result of bones weakened by osteoporosis. Most spinal fractures occur in the thoracic (midback) and lumbar spine (lower back) or at the connection of the two (thoracolumbar junction). Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and whether the patient has other associated injuries.

Cause
Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine may result from high-energy trauma, such as a:

1. Car or motorcycle crash
2. Fall from height
3. Sports accident
4. Violent act, such as a gunshot wound

Many times, these patients have additional serious injuries that require rapid treatment. The spinal cord may also be injured, depending on the severity of the fracture.

Treatment

If the fracture of the vertebral body isIf the fracture of the vertebral body is non displaced and there is no retropulsion, it can be treated with Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty. If the fracture is severe, it may need spinal fusion surgery.