Vertebral compression fracture: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:58, 9 February 2025

A type of fracture affecting the vertebrae of the spine

X-ray showing a T12 vertebral compression fracture

File:Intravertebral vacuum cleft sign.jpg

Intravertebral vacuum cleft sign in a compression fracture

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a type of fracture that occurs in the vertebrae of the spine. These fractures are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Other causes include trauma and metastatic cancer.

Signs and symptoms

Patients with vertebral compression fractures often experience sudden onset of back pain. The pain is typically localized to the area of the fracture and may be exacerbated by movement. In some cases, the fracture may lead to a loss of height and a stooped posture, known as kyphosis.

Causes

The primary cause of vertebral compression fractures is osteoporosis, which leads to decreased bone density and increased fragility. Other causes include trauma from falls or accidents, and pathological fractures due to metastatic cancer, where cancer cells spread to the bone and weaken it.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a vertebral compression fracture is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. X-rays are commonly used to identify fractures, while MRI or CT scans may be employed to assess the extent of the fracture and any associated soft tissue damage.

Treatment

Treatment for vertebral compression fractures depends on the severity of the fracture and the underlying cause. Conservative treatment options include pain management with medications, physical therapy, and bracing to support the spine. In cases where conservative treatment is insufficient, surgical options such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be considered to stabilize the fracture and relieve pain.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with vertebral compression fractures varies depending on the cause and severity of the fracture. Many patients experience significant pain relief with appropriate treatment, although some may continue to have chronic pain or disability. Preventive measures, such as treating osteoporosis and avoiding falls, are important to reduce the risk of future fractures.

Prevention

Preventive strategies for vertebral compression fractures focus on maintaining bone health and preventing falls. This includes adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, and medications to treat osteoporosis. Fall prevention strategies, such as home safety modifications and balance training, are also important.

Related pages

References

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-'''Vertebral Compression Fracture''' is a medical condition characterized by the collapse of a vertebra in the spine. It is commonly associated with [[osteoporosis]], a disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. However, vertebral compression fractures can also result from traumatic injury or as a complication of certain diseases like [[cancer]] that may affect spinal bones.
+{{Short description|A type of fracture affecting the vertebrae of the spine}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+[[File:Blausen 0250 CompressionFracture Vertebrae.png|thumb|Illustration of a vertebral compression fracture]]
+[[File:T12compressionfracMark.png|thumb|X-ray showing a T12 vertebral compression fracture]]
+[[File:Intravertebral vacuum cleft sign.jpg|thumb|Intravertebral vacuum cleft sign in a compression fracture]]
+A '''vertebral compression fracture''' (VCF) is a type of fracture that occurs in the [[vertebrae]] of the [[spine]]. These fractures are most commonly caused by [[osteoporosis]], a condition that weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. Other causes include [[trauma]] and [[metastatic cancer]].
+==Signs and symptoms==
+Patients with vertebral compression fractures often experience sudden onset of back pain. The pain is typically localized to the area of the fracture and may be exacerbated by movement. In some cases, the fracture may lead to a loss of height and a stooped posture, known as [[kyphosis]].
 ==Causes==
-The primary cause of vertebral compression fractures is [[osteoporosis]]. This condition leads to a decrease in bone density and strength, significantly increasing the risk of fractures. Other causes include:
+The primary cause of vertebral compression fractures is osteoporosis, which leads to decreased bone density and increased fragility. Other causes include trauma from falls or accidents, and pathological fractures due to metastatic cancer, where cancer cells spread to the bone and weaken it.
-* Trauma or injury, such as a fall or car accident
-* [[Cancer]] that has metastasized to the bones, weakening them
-* Prolonged use of corticosteroids, which can decrease bone density
-==Symptoms==
-Symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture may vary depending on the severity of the fracture but often include:
-* Sudden onset of back pain
-* Pain that worsens with standing or walking and decreases when lying down
-* Limited spinal mobility
-* Height loss
-* Deformity and curvature of the spine
 ==Diagnosis==
-Diagnosis of a vertebral compression fracture typically involves a medical history review and physical examination, followed by imaging tests such as:
+Diagnosis of a vertebral compression fracture is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies. [[X-ray]]s are commonly used to identify fractures, while [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]]s may be employed to assess the extent of the fracture and any associated soft tissue damage.
-* [[X-ray]]s, to detect the presence of a fracture
-* [[MRI]] (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), to provide detailed images of the bones and soft tissues, including any changes to the bone's integrity or signs of tumor
-* [[CT scan]] (Computed Tomography), to give a more detailed view of the bone and spinal structure
 ==Treatment==
-Treatment for vertebral compression fractures aims to relieve pain, stabilize the spine, and restore mobility. Options include:
+Treatment for vertebral compression fractures depends on the severity of the fracture and the underlying cause. Conservative treatment options include pain management with medications, [[physical therapy]], and bracing to support the spine. In cases where conservative treatment is insufficient, surgical options such as [[vertebroplasty]] or [[kyphoplasty]] may be considered to stabilize the fracture and relieve pain.
-* Pain management with medications such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs
-* [[Physical therapy]] to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve posture, and increase mobility
+==Prognosis==
-* [[Vertebroplasty]] and [[kyphoplasty]], minimally invasive procedures that involve injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it
+The prognosis for individuals with vertebral compression fractures varies depending on the cause and severity of the fracture. Many patients experience significant pain relief with appropriate treatment, although some may continue to have chronic pain or disability. Preventive measures, such as treating osteoporosis and avoiding falls, are important to reduce the risk of future fractures.
-* Surgical intervention in severe cases, such as spinal fusion surgery
 ==Prevention==
-Preventing vertebral compression fractures primarily involves addressing osteoporosis and improving bone density through:
+Preventive strategies for vertebral compression fractures focus on maintaining bone health and preventing falls. This includes adequate intake of [[calcium]] and [[vitamin D]], regular weight-bearing exercise, and medications to treat osteoporosis. Fall prevention strategies, such as home safety modifications and balance training, are also important.
-* Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D
-* Regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
-* Medications to improve bone density in individuals with osteoporosis
-* Avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
-==Complications==
+==Related pages==
-If left untreated, vertebral compression fractures can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, deformity, and potentially serious complications such as spinal cord compression.
+* [[Osteoporosis]]
+* [[Kyphosis]]
+* [[Vertebroplasty]]
+* [[Kyphoplasty]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Orthopedic surgery]]
 [[Category:Bone fractures]]
-[[Category:Spinal cord disorders]]
+[[Category:Spinal disorders]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}