What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Spinal Compression Fractures
• Vertebral Compression Fractures

What is Compression Fracture of the Spine? (Definition/Background Information)

• Compression Fractures of the Spine may be described as fractures that take place when the vertebral column (backbone) crush themselves, due to increased compressive pressure. The condition typically occurs against a background of osteoporosis 
• Osteoporosis is a medical condition that occurs, when the bones in the body become abnormally fragile and frail. This may increase the risk of fractured bones. Spinal fractures are very common injuries in elderly adults, mostly women, who have osteoporosis
• Compression Fractures of the Spine may affect one bone or several bones over a period of time. Other predisposing factors include high-impact sports and certain malignancies that affect the backbone; these weaken the bones and result in easy breakage (pathologic fractures)
• During the early stages, the condition can be aggravated by factors such as normal daily activities, such as climbing of stairs and lifting an object, or even sneezing or coughing. Apart from severe pain and abnormal spinal curvature, the condition can affect the spinal cord and nerves resulting in severe complications
• A treatment of Compression Fractures of the Spine may involve non-surgical measures, such as pain medication, use of calcium supplements, physical therapy, and surgery. The prognosis is generally good with early diagnosis and treatment; although, it is mostly dependent upon the severity of the condition and age of the individual

Who gets Compression Fracture of the Spine? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Compression Fractures of the Spine is more likely to affect older people, especially those with osteoporosis
• Both males and females are affected, although the condition is more common in women than men
• Worldwide, all races and ethnic groups are at risk

What are the Risk Factors for Compression Fracture of the Spine? (Predisposing Factors)

A few predisposing factors for Compression Fractures of the Spine include:

• Old age
• Individuals with osteoporosis
• Participation in high-impact sports
• Any cancer that may affect the spine (directly or through metastasis) such as:
  • Breast cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Prostate cancer

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Compression Fracture of the Spine? (Etiology)

There are several causes for Compression Fractures of the Spine, but osteoporosis is a primary factor that increases one’s risk for spinal cord fracture due to increased fragility of the bones. 

In general, the causes include:

• Trauma to the back such as due to a fall or from participation in certain sports activities
• Bone tumors that involve the vertebral column
• Tumors on the spine such as from multiple myeloma
• Pathologic fractures - easily occurring bone fractures from weakening of the bones. It may be a vertebral fracture due to some preexisting disease such as Paget’s disease of bone or a bone infection (osteomyelitis)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Compression Fracture of the Spine?

The signs and symptoms of Compression Fracture of the Spine may vary from one individual to another and can include:

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in limbs
• Trouble walking
• Severe spinal pain (especially while standing)
• Hunched back (kyphosis)
• Compressed vertebrate causing incremental height loss
• Loss of bowel control

How is Compression Fracture of the Spine Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Compression Fractures of the Spine is made by the following observations and tests:

• A careful physical examination (including observing spinal curvature) and evaluation of one’s medical history 
• Neurological tests: The physician will assess the individual’s neurological status
• X-ray of the affected region
• CT and MRI scans of the affected region
• Bone density test

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Compression Fracture of the Spine?

Possible complications of Compression Fractures of the Spine include:

• Irreversible bone damage (especially if bones do not fuse following surgery)
• Development of an abnormal spinal curvature (humpback)
• Compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots causing severe pain
• Severe injury to the spine that may be disabling

How is Compression Fracture of the Spine Treated?

Treatments for Compression Fractures of the Spine depend on the underlying cause, injury severity, and the presence of any complications. In many cases, a treatment of the underlying osteoporosis may be necessary. The treatment measures may include:

• Physical therapy to regain muscle strength for support
• Medication for pain
• Bed rest
• Use of back brace
• Supplements containing calcium
• Medications for inducing bone formation
• Surgery for height restoration; bone cement insertion to prevent the vertebrae from collapsing
• Refraining from smoking

Spinal tumors that are the cause of fractures may be treated by considering:

• Surgery to remove the tumor or fuse vertebrates together
• Injecting a kind of cement into the spine, called vertebroplasty

How can Compression Fracture of the Spine be Prevented?

In some cases, Compression Fractures of the Spine may be prevented by:

• Taking steps to decrease the effects of osteoporosis such as:
  • Taking calcium supplements
  • Performing low-impact, weight-bearing exercises such as running
• Promptly undertaking treatment for any tumor/cancer condition

What is the Prognosis of Compression Fracture of the Spine? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Compression Fracture of the Spine is dependent upon the severity of the condition and age of the affected individual.

• However, in many cases, the prognosis is generally good; most individuals have a good quality of life with manageable pain levels
• However, injuries to the spinal cord can take 10 weeks or more to heal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Compression Fracture of the Spine:

Bones naturally lose calcium and minerals with age, and women are particularly at risk. So, it may be important to take appropriate supplements depending on one’s age.