Spinal fracture

Causes of fracture

Often, the cause of a fracture is an external impact, as well as a decrease in bone density, which can subsequently lead to progressive spinal deformities and back pain. It is extremely rare for a fracture to occur in cancer patients due to metastatic spinal damage, which results in progressive destruction, so a fracture can occur with minimal stress.

It should be added that spinal compression fracture is widespread and can occur as a result of a car accident, falling from a height, bone osteoporosis, etc.

Symptoms of spinal fracture

The manifestation of injury symptoms is individual. Some patients do not feel discomfort and pain, others have pronounced symptoms: severe back pain, impaired motor activity, various neurological disorders, impaired pelvic organ function (in case of damage to the roots of the spinal nerves or spinal cord).

When the vertebrae of the cervical spine are fractured, in most cases there are sharp pains when moving the head. Note that a fracture of the first cervical vertebra can lead to instant death.

With a fracture of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, there is difficulty breathing, shingling pain, abdominal pain, and painful sensations when pressing on the spinous processes of the affected vertebrae.

A fracture of the sacrum and coccyx occurs as a result of a direct blow, falling on the buttocks. With a fracture, bruising, swelling, and pressure soreness appear.

Consequences of spinal fractures

Complications are manifested by instability of the spine, i.e. the development of neurological disorders and kyphotic deformity (curvature of the spine in the anterior-posterior direction).

Diagnostics

A preliminary diagnosis can usually be made based on the patient's symptoms and complaints, however, to confirm the presence of a fracture, an X-ray scan must be performed to clarify the location and nature of the fracture. In the case of a complex fracture, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are additionally prescribed.

In The European Clinic of Sports Traumatology and Orthopedics (ECSTO)The diagnosis and treatment of the fracture are carried out in accordance with European standards of medical care. Moreover, the clinic works in close cooperation with rehabilitation department, which allows patients to return to their usual lives as soon as possible.

First aid for spinal fracture

In case of spinal injury, it is necessary to call an ambulance and in no case should you put the victim down, put him on his feet or try to set the spine yourself. Do not touch or turn over the victim. If the environment poses a mortal danger, it is necessary to place the victim on his stomach on a stretcher or some flat object and carefully remove him from a dangerous place.

Spinal fracture Treatment

Currently, conservative and surgical (surgical) treatment are distinguished.

Conservative treatment

This method of therapy includes adherence to the regime, taking painkillers and the use of corset belts that restrict movement in the damaged area, which contributes to the consolidation of the fracture. On average, patients wear an extensor corset for 1.5-2 months from the moment of the fracture.

It should be noted that during rehabilitation after a spinal fracture, any physical activity is prohibited in the first 3-4 months, as it can lead to increased deformity in the spine.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment includes decompression of nerve structures (if there are signs of compression of nerve roots or spinal cord), as well as stabilization, i.e. fixation of the damaged spinal segment.

It should be added that in the treatment of spinal compression fracture, both conservative and surgical treatment are used.

European Clinic of Sports Traumatology and Orthopaedics (ECSTO)Provides round-the-clock assistance to patients with any injuries of the musculoskeletal system. The clinic has all the conditions for the diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatment of patients with diseases and injuries of varying severity, as well as for subsequent rehabilitation.