![]() ![]() In these procedures, orthopedic cement is used to “rebuild” the vertebral space and may help return it to its original height. Two minimally invasive techniques exist to treat compression fractures called vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. The brace is discontinued when x-rays show no change in the position of the vertebrae and healing of the fracture. The brace helps relieve pain by immobilizing the fracture and reducing the height loss that occurs as a result of the compression. Most cases of compression fractures can be treated using medications to relieve pain, rest, and the use of a back brace. Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness (which increases the risks of falling and breaking other bones).Loss of balance (which increases the risk of falling).Loss if height (one of the reasons many older people seem to shrink as they age).In addition to pain, other signs and symptoms of a compression fracture include the following: People with osteoporosis are at higher risk for fracture, which may result from a minor fall or simple daily activities such as bending or lifting. A compression fracture occurs when a vertebrae collapses. Separating the vertebrae from each other are intervertebral discs that cushion and absorb the stress and shock that the body incurs during movement and give the spine its flexibility. The spinal column consists of 33 individual bones called vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 4 fused sacral, 1 coccygeal). Whether painful or not, compression fractures can lead to additional fractures, spinal deformity, and loss of the ability to function. For others, compression fractures can be very painful and disabling. Many people do not even realize they have a compression fracture and do not seek medical care because they assume their symptoms are simply part of the aging process. One of the most common complications of osteoporosis is vertebral compression fractures, affecting thousands of people every year in Canada. If you have osteoporosis, if necessary we will also arrange for you to be referred to the bone health unit.Osteoporosis is characterized by a loss of bone density, leaving bones weak and at increased risk of breaking. ![]() Balloon kyphoplasty usually involves staying in hospital overnight and the procedure has some low surgical complications, which will be discussed with you before proceeding with surgery. This is then filled with cement and the balloon is removed. This involves a small incision being made over the affected bone, and a small balloon being inserted into the bone which is slowly inflated to restore some of the normal bone height. The most common type of surgery for vertebral compression fracture is a procedure known as balloon kyphoplasty. Patients typically see a very significant improvement in pain in the first few weeks after surgery. If surgical treatment is required, the risks and benefits will be discussed with you, along with details of what the procedure involves. The majority of patients who do not require surgery see an improvement in pain over the first few months following a fracture. If your fracture can be treated with medication and physiotherapy this will be organised. ![]() We provide rapid access to appropriate imaging and diagnostic tests, as well as surgery and therapies. The clinic is made up of a multidisciplinary team incorporating the expertise of orthopaedic, neurosurgical, osteoporosis and rehabilitation specialists. Our vertebral compression fracture clinic at St Mary’s Hospital provides early diagnosis and onward management for patients with a suspected spinal fracture. ![]()
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