Types of spinal fractures
- Traumatic fractures from car accidents, falls and sports injuries
- Compression fractures, often from osteoporosis, where a vertebra collapses with little or no trauma
- Fractures with dislocation or injury to the spinal cord or nerves
Evaluation
CT scans show the bone injury in detail, and MRI shows the ligaments, discs, spinal cord and nerves. Dr. Dare uses these with your examination to decide whether the spine is stable.
Treatment
Many stable fractures heal with pain control, a brace and a gradual return to activity, with follow-up imaging to confirm healing.
Unstable fractures, or fractures pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, may need surgery to relieve the pressure and stabilize the spine with instrumentation. For some painful osteoporotic compression fractures, a minimally invasive procedure that injects bone cement into the vertebra can be an option.
Common questions
Do all spinal fractures need surgery?
No. Most stable fractures heal with bracing and time. Surgery is for fractures that are unstable or that threaten the spinal cord or nerves.
What should I do after a spine injury?
If you have neck or back pain after a significant injury, or any numbness or weakness, go to an emergency department for evaluation before moving around.
This page is general information reviewed by Dr. Amos O. Dare and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation.