Spinal Fracture

Introduction Our spine consists of 33 bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae provide support, allowing you to stand straight, bend, and twist. Between these vertebrae runs the spinal canal, which houses and protects your spinal cord. This important structure coordinates information from our brain to the body for all movements. A spinal fracture occurs when one or more of these vertebrae crack, break, or collapse. When you experience a spine fracture, there is a high risk of damage to the delicate spinal nerves and cord. This can result in limited body movement and functions. Accidents, falls, and osteoporosis are common contributing factors for spinal fractures.

What are the Different Types of Spinal Fractures? According to the location: Cervical Spine Fractures

• Occur in the neck region.
• It is particularly dangerous, potentially affecting breathing and causing paralysis in the arms, legs, and trunk. Thoracic Spine Fractures
• Located in the upper back extending from the base of the neck to the ribs
• These fractures can affect the legs and trunk Lumbar Spine Fractures
• Affects the lower back
• Impact leg movement and bowel or bladder control. The commonest types of spinal fractures include: Compression Fractures
• These fractures develop gradually due to osteoporosis or suddenly from trauma.
• If left untreated, osteoporosis-related compression fractures can lead to a forward-leaning posture (kyphosis) or significant height loss. Burst Fractures
• These occur when your spine experiences sudden, severe compression, often shattering vertebrae into multiple fragments.
• These fractures typically result from high-impact accidents or falls from significant heights where you land directly on your feet. Chance (Flexion/Distraction) Fractures
• These fractures occur when vertebrae suddenly separate from each other.
• Most common in car accidents where your lower body is restrained by a seatbelt while the upper body is thrown forward.

What are the symptoms of Spinal Fractures? Generally, osteoporosis-related compression fractures do not cause any noticeable symptoms as they develop gradually. If symptoms develop, they include:

• Back or neck pain that worsens with simple movement

• Pain radiates down the arms or legs

• Tingling or numbness in the limbs

• Weakness in limbs

• Sudden change in the posture

• Difficulty walking

• Loss of a few inches of height

• In severe cases, paralysis (inability to move limbs)

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• What are the causes of Spinal Fractures? Here's the list of common causes of spinal fractures:

• Trauma: Road accidents, falls, and sports injuries

• Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones

• Tumours: Cancerous or non-cancerous growths that weaken vertebrae Degenerative conditions: Spinal stenosis and degenerative disc diseases

How to Diagnose Spinal Fractures? Physical examination: Doctors check for tenderness or swelling in the affected area and identify any changes in the shape of your spine and posture. X-rays: To detect spinal abnormalities or fractures CT scans: To identify damage in greater detail MRI: To evaluate spinal cord injuries and damage to surrounding soft tissues like discs and ligaments Bone density test: To know how much osteoporosis weakens your bone

What is the treatment of Spinal Fractures? Pain management and spine stabilization are two primary goals of spinal fracture treatment. The treatment approach generally depends on the following:

• The cause of fracture
• The location of the fracture
• The type of fracture
• The severity of the fracture
• Involvement of nerves or spinal cord

Treatment approaches are: Conservative Treatment Most fractures heal with:

• Pain medications
• Physical therapy strengthens the muscles in your back
• Bracing to immobilise the spine for a few months
• Adequate rest to heal the bone
• Treatment of osteoporosis to strengthen your bones to prevent further fractures Surgical Intervention Surgery may be necessary for severe fractures to:
• Stabilise the spine
• Relieve pressure on the spinal cord and vessels
• Correct deformities

Surgery options are: Vertebroplasty: This minimally invasive procedure includes the injection of a special cement into your fractured spine bone to ease pain and give support. Kyphoplasty: This surgery is similar to vertebroplasty, but it also uses a tiny balloon to lift the collapsed bone before sealing it.