Vertebral compression fracture
| Compression fracture | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| ICD-9-CM | 733.13 (pathological), 805-806 (traumatic) |
A compression fracture is a collapse of a vertebra. It may be due to trauma or due to a weakening of the vertebra (compare with burst fracture). This weakening is seen in patients with osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, lytic lesions from metastatic or primary tumors,[1] or infection.[2] In healthy patients it is most often seen in individuals suffering extreme vertical shocks, such as ejecting from an ejection seat. Seen in lateral views in plain x-ray films, compression fractures of the spine characteristically appear as wedge deformities, with greater loss of height anteriorly than posteriorly and intact pedicles in the anteroposterior view.[3]
Signs and symptoms
Acute fractures will cause severe back pain. Compression fractures which develop gradually, such as in osteoporosis, may initially not cause any symptoms, but will later often lead to back pain and loss of height.
Diagnosis
Compression fractures are usually diagnosed on spinal radiographs, where a wedge-shaped vertebra may be visible or there may be loss of height of the vertebra. In addition, bone density measurement may be performed to evaluate for osteoporosis. When a tumor is suspected as the underlying cause, or the fracture was caused by severe trauma, CT or MRI scans may be performed.
Compression fracture of the fourth lumbar vertebra post falling from a height.
X-ray of the lumbar spine with a compression fracture of the third lumbar vertebra.
Compression fracture of T12
Treatment
Conservative treatment
- Back brace for support while the bone heals-either a Jewett brace for relatively stable and mild injuries, or a TLSO for more severe ones.[4]
- Opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain. For osteoporotic patients, calcitonin may be helpful.[5][6]
Surgical
- Kyphoplasty[7] and vertebroplasty[7][8] are minimally invasive procedures that inject cement into the bone of the back that is fractured. However, the data examining the effectiveness of these procedures is mixed.[9][10]
References
- ↑ Weber, Kristy (February 28, 2006). "Rounds 2: Treatment of Metastatic Bone Disease". Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
- ↑ "Bone Infections". MedlinePlus. September 7, 2011.
- ↑ Brant, William E.; Helms, Clyde A. (2007). "Benign Compression Fracture". Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 302. ISBN 978-0-7817-6135-2.
- ↑ "Jewett vs. TLSO Replies". OANDP-L on oandp.com. 2010-09-27. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
- ↑ "Calcitonin for osteoporotic fractures". Retrieved 2012-09-03.
- ↑ Knopp, Jennifer A.; Diner, Barry M.; Blitz, Maurice; Lyritis, George P.; Rowe, Brian H. (2004). "Calcitonin for treating acute pain of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A systematic review of randomized, controlled trials". Osteoporosis International. 16 (10): 1281–90. doi:10.1007/s00198-004-1798-8. PMID 15614441.
- 1 2 Taylor, Rod S.; Taylor, Rebecca J.; Fritzell, Peter (2006). "Balloon Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures". Spine. 31 (23): 2747–55. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000244639.71656.7d. PMID 17077747.
- ↑ Taylor, Rod S.; Fritzell, Peter; Taylor, Rebecca J. (2007). "Balloon kyphoplasty in the management of vertebral compression fractures: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis". European Spine Journal. 16 (8): 1085–100. doi:10.1007/s00586-007-0308-z. PMC 2200787
. PMID 17277923. - ↑ Boonen, S.; Wahl, D. A.; Nauroy, L.; Brandi, M. L.; Bouxsein, M. L.; Goldhahn, J.; Lewiecki, E. M.; Lyritis, G. P.; et al. (2011). "Balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in the management of vertebral compression fractures". Osteoporosis International. 22 (12): 2915–34. doi:10.1007/s00198-011-1639-5. PMID 21789685.
- ↑ Han, Shiliang; Wan, Shuanglin; Ning, Lei; Tong, Yongjun; Zhang, Jianfeng; Fan, Shunwu (2011). "Percutaneous vertebroplasty versus balloon kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: A meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials". International Orthopaedics. 35 (9): 1349–58. doi:10.1007/s00264-011-1283-x. PMC 3167445. PMID 21637959.
External links
- Vertebral Compression Fracture information on eMedicineHealth
- Zeller, J. L.; Burke, A. E.; Glass, R. M. (2008). "Osteomyelitis". JAMA. 299 (7): 858. doi:10.1001/jama.299.7.858. PMID 18285597.
- Medscape article on lytic lesions
- Emedicine article on spinal metastasis