Vertebral Compression Fractures
Minimally invasive stabilization and pain relief
Understanding Vertebral Compression Fractures
Vertebral compression fractures are breaks in the vertebral bodies where the bone collapses, typically in a wedge-shaped pattern. These fractures most commonly affect the thoracic and lumbar spine and are a major cause of pain and disability, particularly in older adults. The primary cause is osteoporosis, with approximately 700,000 osteoporotic fractures occurring annually in the United States.
Multiple compression fractures can lead to progressive height loss, kyphosis (forward curvature creating a "dowager's hump"), and restrictive lung disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to relieve pain, prevent further collapse, and reduce the risk of additional fractures.
Common Causes
Osteoporosis
Primary cause, with weakened bones fracturing from minimal stress or spontaneously
Trauma
Falls, motor vehicle accidents, or other high-impact injuries in younger individuals
Cancer Metastases
Tumors spreading to vertebrae from breast, lung, prostate, or other cancers
Multiple Myeloma
Blood cancer affecting bone marrow and weakening vertebrae
Prolonged Corticosteroid Use
Medications causing secondary osteoporosis
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Genetic disorder causing brittle bones
Symptoms
Sudden onset of severe back pain
Pain localized to fracture site, typically mid or lower back
Pain worsening with standing and improving lying down
Limited spinal mobility and difficulty with daily activities
Height loss and progressive forward curvature (kyphosis)
Neurological symptoms if bone fragments compress nerves
Difficulty breathing with multiple thoracic fractures
Abdominal distension and early satiety
Advanced Treatment Options
Vertebroplasty
Minimally invasive procedure injecting bone cement with 70-98% success rates
Kyphoplasty
Similar to vertebroplasty but includes balloon inflation to restore vertebral height
Radiofrequency Ablation
For pain from vertebral metastases, using heat to destroy tumor tissue
Spinal Bracing
Custom orthoses to limit motion and support healing
Osteoporosis Treatment
Bisphosphonates, denosumab, or teriparatide to strengthen bones
Radiation Therapy
For fractures caused by metastatic cancer to shrink tumors
Surgical Stabilization
Spinal fusion or instrumentation for unstable fractures
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