Spinal Fractures

What is a Spinal Fracture?

Spinal fractures can vary widely in severity and in type. While some fractures are the result of bones that are weakened by osteoporosis, others are very serious injuries that require immediate medical care.

Most (SFs) occur in the mid and lower back. Sometimes, fractures can even occur where these two places meet. The treatment given depends on the severity and type of the condition, as well as whether or not the patient has other related injuries.

Types of Spinal Fractures (SFs)

Spinal fractures come in many different forms: Burst, Compression, Flexion-Distraction, and Fracture-Dislocation are the four main types of spinal fractures. The following passage provides brief descriptions of each:

What are the Symptoms of a Spinal Fracture?

Naturally, the most common symptom of a spinal fracture is back pain. This pain may start off as mild and worsen over time. Sometimes, the pain can also come on very suddenly and sharply. Generally, most doctors will suspect vertebral compression fractures in any patient older than 50 years of age. This is especially true if said patient has an acute onset of back pain. In women, the suspected age is lower at only 45, provided there is a sudden onset of back pain. In some cases, an (SF) may not cause back pain or any other symptoms. As a result, middle-aged patients with no back complaints should still be wary of potential fractures. Sometimes, a spinal fracture will cause height loss, limited mobility, and deformities instead of pain.

Main symptoms of (SFs) include one or more of the following:

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact our spine specialists at New York City Spine. Dr. Frazier and his devoted team of spine experts work tirelessly to provide their patients with personalized treatment plans. From sophisticated surgical solutions to highly accurate diagnostics, you can count on receiving optimal treatment and a quick recovery.

What are the Treatments for a Spinal Fracture?

(SF) treatment begins with stabilization and pain management to prevent further injury. In some cases, other bodily injuries may be present and will need to be treated as well (most commonly, in the chest). Depending on the type and severity of the (SF), surgery and/or bracing may be necessary. Most people with (SCFs) do not need surgery. In such cases, custom back braces and light exercise are suggested first. Pain medication (usually NSAIDs) are often used to make the healing process much more manageable.

Instrumentation & Spinal Fusion

These are surgical procedures used to treat unstable (SFs). In fusion, two vertebrae are joined with a bone graft and are held together with hardware. The hardware typically includes a combination of rods, plates, hooks, cages, and pedicle screws. Bone grafts are used to join the vertebrae above and below to form a solid piece of bone. In some cases, a fusion may take several months or more to become solid.

Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

Most commonly used for fractures caused by osteoporosis and tumors, this minimally invasive procedure treats compression. The former involves injecting bone cement through a hollow needle into the problem area. In the latter, a balloon is inserted and inflated to expand the compressed areas. Bone cement then fills the space after the area has expanded.

Orthotics & Braces

These maintain the spinal alignment through immobilization. By restricting movement, the spine can heal properly and pain becomes more manageable. Stable (SFs) may only require a brace, which is used for around 8 to 12 weeks. Brace removal occurs once this period of time has passed. Unstable (SFs), such as with the neck or dislocations, may require traction for realignment. A vest brace and halo ring are sometimes used in such cases.

Contact Us

If you think you may have an (SF), schedule an appointment with New York City Spine today. Our staff is happy to help with your general concerns, scheduling, insurance, and anything else that you may need. To schedule a visit, please contact one of our patient advocates or request an appointment online. We accept and file most insurance plans. Please call us to find out if we are participating with your health insurance provider.

Meet Dr. Daveed Frazier

Dr. Frazier is a Harvard-trained, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He’s held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York’s SUNY Downstate. Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, published author on spine disorders and treatment, and a consultant for several international spine companies.

After completing his undergraduate education at Brown University, Dr. Frazier attended Harvard Medical School, where he graduated cum laude. He completed a Harvard internship based at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, followed by a Harvard combined residency before becoming chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Spinal Fractures

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