What Are Osteoporotic Compression Fractures?
An osteoporotic compression fracture happens when one or more of your 26 flexible vertebrae in your spine collapses, or starts compressing due to a diminished bone density. Most cases of this injury represent an isolated issue related to the anterior spinal column, commonly due to a combination of flexion and axial compression loading on the spine.
Osteoporotic compression fractures are commonly considered benign injuries, as they don’t compromise the stability of the spine and heal with conservative treatment, but they are potentially dangerous. If left untreated, this type of fracture leads to complications like the following:
- Chronic back pain.
- Kyphosis, also known as “hunchback”.
- Height loss.
- Higher risk of future fractures.
Types of Osteoporotic Compression Fractures
Wedge Fracture
A wedge fracture forms on the front of the vertebra, collapsing the broken bone and creating a wedge-like shape
Crush Fracture
A crush fracture breaks the entire vertebra, not just one part. The bone becomes brittle and porous, collapsing by itself.
Burst Fracture
When the vertebra breaks and causes bones to spread in multiple directions, it’s considered a burst fracture.
3 Common Causes of Osteoporotic Compression Fractures
According to the National Library of Medicine, over 200 million people in the world develop osteoporosis, and 9 million of whom get compression fractures. Although most of them are caused by long term damage to the vertebra, there are patients that sustain fractures due to an injury. Some of the key factors that lead to a compression fracture include:
1. Weaker Bones
What leads to an osteoporotic compression fracture is not a single event, but the silent development of osteoporosis. One of the most aggressive symptoms of this condition is the decrease of the bone mineral density, which systematically weakens and destroys the internal structure of the skeleton, which becomes porous and thin. Your vertebrae loses strength and is prone to a collapse if any real pressure is applied, leading to a fracture.
2. Daily Accidents
An osteoporotic compression fracture can be triggered by something as simple as bending to tie your shoe, lifting a bag of groceries or stepping off a low curb. A person with a healthy bone density isn’t affected by the axial load associated with these activities, but it is highly dangerous for an osteoporosis patient.
Actions as simple as bending, coughing, or sneezing concentrate pressure on the front part of the vertebral body, or transmit sudden intra-abdominal pressure to the spine, creating cumulative microdamage on the vertebra that eventually results in a collapse.
3. Aging Conditions
After age 50, your body breaks down old bones faster than it can rebuild them. In women, this process is accelerated by the decrease in estrogen levels caused by menopause, as this hormone is what inhibits the cell that resorbs bone tissue. Using corticosteroids is also a major cause, as they inhibit bone formation. Another symptom that comes with aging is nutritional deficiency. Without enough calcium and vitamin D, your body is unable to maintain bone density, even with medication.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose you through a physical examination that includes the following:
- Checking your spine’s alignment and your height and posture.
- Applying pressure on different areas of your back to identify the source of pain.
- Looking for signs of nerve damage, which may include numbness, tingling or muscle weakness.
Imaging tests are also required, as they allow the doctor to see pictures of the bones, muscles and soft tissues. These studies include:
- A spine X-ray, CT scan or MRI to show images of your spine and look for fractures.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, which measures bone loss (bone density test).
- Myelogram, which consists of injecting a contrast dye into your spinal column before doing a CT scan or X-ray. The dye makes images clearer.
- Three-phase bone scan, an imaging test that takes three sets of pictures during three different visits.
FAQ
Is surgery necessary?
Non-surgical treatment with pain medication is the standard. However, surgery (kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty) is necessary for patients who experience the following complications:
- Intolerable pain after 2-3 weeks of medical management.
- Progressive vertebral collapse.
- Neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, and bowel issues.
How do I differentiate a fracture from a muscle strain?
When you have a compression fracture, the pain develops gradually and is only felt within the back. On the other hand, when you have a muscle strain, the pain is immediate but completely resolves if you lay flat on your back, and may extend to the leg.
Where can I treat my osteoporotic compression fracture in Watkinsville, GA?
If you’re an osteoporosis patient currently experiencing the symptoms of a compression fracture, visit Arch Orthopedic & Spine’s office in Watkinsville, GA, to find relief. Book your appointment with our provider Dr. Ashford, who will assess your symptoms and provide you with tailored treatment.
