Vertebral fracture? ... Got your back

If you are over 60, chances are you know someone who has had a compression fracture in his spine. Almost 700,000 patients are diagnosed with these fractures each year.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occur when the body of the vertebra (bony part of the spine) collapses. Typically, these fractures occur in the middle (thoracic) or lower (lumbar) regions of the spine. Frequently they occur because of increased pressure on the front of the vertebra.

When viewed from the side on an x-ray, the vertebra will look like a wedge — narrow at the front, larger in the back. Other types of VCF include crush fractures, where the entire bone collapses, or burst fractures, where a portion of the bone is lost.

The primary cause of VCF is osteoporosis. However, these fractures can also result from trauma or metastatic tumors. With severe osteoporosis, a strong sneeze can cause the fracture; with moderate osteoporosis, a fall could be the culprit. If a person under 55 suffers from a vertebral compression fracture without significant injury, cancer may be the cause.

Surprisingly, some compression fractures do not cause pain. Some people will have pain from prolonged sitting, standing, or walking, but pain decreases when lying down. These fractures may restrict mobility and/or one’s ability to twist. If several vertebrae are compressed, the individual may lose height, or look hunched over and present a “dowager’s hump” (kyphosis). While most VCF sufferers are women — 25 percent of postmenopausal women and 40 percent of women over 80 — they can also be a concern for men.

Your doctor can diagnose a VCF with an x-ray or other imaging. Spinal fractures are different than fractures to a leg or arm. These vertebral fractures can alter the shape and strength of the spine. They can pinch, compress, and even tear the spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Most fractures will heal over the course of a few months with conservative treatments; however, treatments will vary with the type of fracture and the instability of the vertebra.

Nonsurgical options, likely the first treatment options, include rest, pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes bracing. Many patients are prescribed medication to help prevent further fractures. However, if these measures are not relieving the pain, patients may be referred to a specialist for a vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. During these minimally invasive procedures, a needle is used to inject cement into the body of the vertebra to return it to its original shape and height.

Legatus members with spine issues are encouraged to contact Healthnetwork Foundation. Our services are a benefit of membership and will connect you with the most innovative spine specialists in the world.

Julia Brasfield, M.M.S., PA-C, is clinical manager of the medical coordinator team for Healthnetwork Foundation and provides guidance and support on medical requests. She previously practiced medicine as a physician assistant at Cleveland Clinic for more than a decade. 

HealthNetwork is a Legatus membership benefit, a health care “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected]

HealthNetwork Foundation is a nonprofit whose mission is to improve medicine for all by connecting CEOs with leading hospitals and their doctors to provide the best access to world-class care and increase philanthropic funding for medical research.