A vertebral concretion break ( VCF ) is a break in an individual bone , or vertebra , of the spine that causes the vertebra to collapse . A lumbar VCF affects the low spine .
When a VCF fall out , the front discussion section of the vertebra cracks and compresses , while the back surgical incision remains entire and in its original spatial relation . This case of trauma may cause sudden back pain that worsen with motion .
Doctors treat VCFs based on the severity of the fracture , the symptoms , and the underlying causes . handling include pain management , physical therapy , and , in rare event , surgery .
What is a compression fracture?
As theAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonsexplains , a VCF is a falling out in the prior ( front ) department of a vertebra that cause it to pack together or shorten . The later ( back ) plane section of the vertebra remains intact and does not compress or shorten .
This type of fracture is typically static , which means a person ’s vertebral column can still stomach their organic structure system of weights without causing the vertebra to shift out of alignment . As a result , neurologic issues are rarefied with this character of fracture .
Symptoms of a lower back compression fracture
A VCFcan causesudden back pain that exasperate with move , particularly when changing positions . The pain may lessen when a person is resting or lie down .
Other VCF symptoms mayinclude :
Common causes of a compression fracture in the lower back
Themost commoncause of VCF isosteoporosis — a circumstance that weakens bones , make them slight and susceptible to breaking .
Osteoporosis can occur as a solvent of :
In younger mass , themost commoncause of VCF is a high wallop injury , typically due to a motor fomite accident or a fall .
Tumors in the spine are anotherpotential causeof a VCF . These tumor may be benign ( noncancerous ) or malignant ( cancerous ) and may split or disrupt the vertebrae as they grow .
Diagnosing compression fractures
When diagnosing a VCF , a Dr. willbeginby palpating ( entreat ) the cutis along the spine to check for infliction or warmness .
A doctorwill thenrequest anX - rayof the spine to check for vertebral fractures or dislocations . They may order extra imaging tests , such asMRI scansorCT scans .
If a medico distrust that a person has a VCF due to a high-pitched impingement injury , theywill orderMRI and CT scans as standard . They will also carry out a neurologic exam to tick off for spinal cord injury .
Treatments for compression fractures
treatment for VCFs will vary depending on the severity of the break , the symptoms , and the underlying causes .
Nonsurgical handling optionsinclude :
For a more dangerous VCF , a person may need surgery . One possible operative procedure for a VCF is aspinal fusion , during which a surgeon fuses the affected vertebrae with metal hardware to foreclose further harm .
Another option isdecompression surgery , which can relieve pressure if the fracture is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord .
Outlook for compression fractures
nonaged VCFs heal within2 to 3 monthswith proper charge , but intervention varies depending on a person ’s health and the campaign of the fracture . A VCF due to osteoporosis can take as foresighted as 1 class to heal .
However , the mind-set for a VCF depends for the most part on the cause and on the extent of neurological symptom .
Older adults with osteoporosis - related VCFs have ahigher death rate ratethan mass of the same eld mathematical group who do not have osteoporosis .
A2019 studyfound that older adults with VCFs who underwent surgery to fuse the spine experience meaning improvements in depressed back pain . However , the charge per unit of surgical knottiness was high .
In people with trauma - induce VCFs , mild injuriesmay respondto conservative treatment , such as botheration management and a temporary back brace to support and stabilize the spine during healing .
More severe harm may require surgical procedure to realine or brace the spine . One such procedure involves put in cementum into the fractured vertebra .
Some people who have conservative treatment for a harm - induce VCF may experience complication such as ongoing back bother and increased curvature of the spine .
Some people who undergo surgery for a trauma - induced VCF may formulate postsurgical knottiness such as :
However , spinal stiffness and secondary fault arelikely to occureven without surgery .
Can you prevent lower back compression fractures?
It is not always potential to prevent lower back compression fractures , especially those that fall out as a final result of trauma .
However , a person can reduce their risk of develop osteoporosis , which is the most common cause of VCFs . TheInternational Osteoporosis Foundationrecommends the following tips to help prevent osteoporosis :
People who have already have a diagnosis of osteoporosis can take steps to deoxidise their risk of compaction fractures and other types of shift .
TheNational Institute on Agingrecommends the following :
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a compression fracture and other types of spinal fractures?
Thekey differencebetween a compression fracture and other types of spinal fracture is that a compression break occurs in the anterior ( front ) section of the vertebra , while the ulterior ( back ) section stays entire . This type of hurt causes the vertebra to collapse and compress .
When should I see a doctor about back pain?
According to theUnited Kingdom ’s National Health Service , a person should refer a doctor about back pain if the pain :
Some sign and symptoms guarantee an urgent appointment with a Dr. , include :
When might back pain indicate a medical emergency?
Anyone who experiences back pain after a serious fortuity should call for an ambulance immediately .
A person should also seek emergency aesculapian tending if they live back pain along with any of the followingsymptoms :
Are compression fractures always painful?
agree to an older2016 reexamination , around two - thirds of citizenry with VCFs do not experience any symptom and only become mindful of the yield after undergoing tests for other conditions .
Summary
A vertebral compression break ( VCF ) is a gap in the front part of a spinal bone that causes the os to collapse . This can lead to sudden back botheration , especially with movement . However , many people do not experience symptom and only determine out about a VCF through tests for other issues .
Doctors name a VCF through a strong-arm exam and Adam - rays and may use MRI or CT scans to get a clearer view of the spine .
discussion depends on the cause . Osteoporosis is the most usual lawsuit in older adults , while accidental injury are a more coarse cause in younger people . Treatment options admit pain relief , back braces , and surgical operation . A doctor can help oneself a person make up one’s mind on the unspoilt attack .
