What is a spine fracture?
The spine is made up of multiple bones (called the vertebra). Fractures of these bones can occur from trauma like road traffic accidents and fall from height. Sometimes, the bones of the spine are weakened from infiltration of the bone by a tumour or infection causing spinal fractures from either trivial or no documented injuries. Osteoporosis, a condition where the mineral (calcium) density of the bone decreases, can also weaken the bone causing fractures of the spine from a low energy injury.
Spine fractures can occur in the neck (cervical spine) mid back (thoracic spine) or low back (lumbar spine). In some cases, there can be more than one spinal fracture.
Spinal fractures can be simple type which heal predictably with time or complex where fragments of bones can go into the spinal canal and damage nerves. As the spine is made up of many joints, there can also be fracture dislocations of the spine which is a very serious injury.
In simple fracture, treatments with braces and medications are often enough. In some cases, cement injection (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty) may be required. In severe cases, spinal surgery may be required which can be done either minimally-invasive (keyhole) or through an open method.
Symptoms of a spine fracture
- Pain of the affected region (neck, midback or low back)
- Pain, tingling, burning or numbness of the arms
- Pain, tingling, burning or numbness of the legs
- Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
- Weakness of the arms/legs/hands or feet
Types of treatment:
- Brace
- Medications
- Cement injections (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty)
- Keyhole, minimally-invasive spinal stabilisation surgery
- Open spinal stabilisation surgery
