A spinal fracture is a serious injury in which one or more vertebra in the spinal column collapses, causing the vertebra to become compressed.

It is typically caused by high-impact trauma, such as a car accident or long-distance fall, but can also be caused by osteoporosis in older individuals with weakened bones.

Symptoms

  • The primary symptom is moderate to severe back pain that is made worse by movement.
  • When the spinal cord is also involved, numbness, tingling, weakness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction may occur.

Treatment

    • Bed rest, analgesics
    • Surgery
    • Minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation
  • Decompression and fixation