Spinal Fracture
What Causes a Spinal Fracture?
Spinal fractures are a serious orthopaedic injury resulting from trauma, and other causes that may be related to osteoporosis.
Spinal fractures range from painful compression fractures, commonly seen in osteoporotic patients, to more severe injuries such as burst fractures and fracture-dislocations, which are a result of high velocity accidents such as motorcycle accidents, falling from great heights, and sports-related accidents.
These accidents can affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), or lumbar (low back) spine. Injuries to the cervical spine can have serious consequences, as the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves will be compressed, resulting in paralysis or death.
What are the Symptoms of Spinal Fractures?
The most common symptom of a spinal fracture is pain in the back that increases when walking or continuing any movement.
Spinal fracture symptoms may include:
• Pain in the back or neck
• Tingling or numbness
• Weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Bowel/bladder changes
• Paralysis – may indicate a spinal cord injury
How Are Spinal Fractures Diagnosed?
To evaluate the severity of your spinal fracture and identify any structural changes, you may need to complete a number of tests to have a clear view of your spine. Depending on your injuries, your doctor may recommend an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
• X-rays will reveal any fractures and detect any abnormal movement
• Spine CT scan views any changes in the bone structure
• MRI scan determines soft tissue damage to the ligaments and discs, and assess spinal cord injury
How Are Spinal Fractures Treated?
The first step in treating a spinal fracture is pain management and stabilization to prevent further injury. Depending on the severity, type and location of the fracture, bracing or surgery may be necessary.
Spinal fractures can be life-threatening and may result in life-changing consequences. If you are showing symptoms of a spinal fracture, see a specialist immediately.
The specialists at the South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Spine and Neck Center have years of experience in diagnosing and treating spinal fractures. To request an appointment with one of our specialists, please call (772) 288-2400.