Spine Compression Fractures
The vertebrae in the spine are small bones that can be fractured, causing the vertebrae to collapse. Spine compression fractures can occur in the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine and may cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of fracture. At DOCS Health, we offer treatment for spine compression fractures at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Cervical Vertebrae Fractures
The seven vertebrae in the cervical spine can experience a variety of fractures due to injury, degenerative conditions and other factors. Compression fractures occur when the front portion of the vertebrae collapses, while burst fractures affect the entire structure, flattening the vertebrae in all directions. Flexion-distraction fractures in the cervical spine are very rare but can occur and jeopardize the spinal cord. In some cases, the vertebrae and the attached ligaments can be damaged, resulting in a fracture-dislocation.
Thoracic Vertebrae Fractures
Compression fractures are more common in the thoracic spine, especially in the lower vertebrae. They can occur slowly over time from weakened bone, or suddenly from trauma. This can cause pain and compressed nerves in the mid back. Other types of thoracic fractures include burst fractures where both the front and back of the vertebra collapse or a flexion-distraction, where the back and middle columns of the vertebrae collapse. Thoracic fracture-dislocations are usually caused by trauma and often result in spinal cord injury.
Lumbar Vertebrae Fractures
The top vertebra in the lumbar spine is the most susceptible to compression fractures where only the front of the vertebrae collapses, which can occur over time or due to trauma. In trauma injuries, flexion-distraction, fracture-dislocation and burst fractures can occur in the lumbar spine, affecting the other columns in the vertebrae.
Treatment for Vertebrae Fractures
The treatment for vertebrae fractures depends on the severity and types. Compression fractures may respond to conservative and minimally invasive treatments without surgery. For more severe fractures such as burst, flexion-distraction and fracture-dislocations, surgery may be required to repair the bone to relieve pain and prevent spinal cord injury.
If you have compression or other types of vertebrae fractures, treatment is available at DOCS Health. Our neuro-spine surgeon surgeons offer advanced spine treatments and surgery to relieve pain and dysfunction caused by compression fractures. Contact our medical center in Beverly Hills to schedule an appointment.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.