Question 1

what is a compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Collapse of bone: Typically refers to collapse of a vertebrae in the spinal column.  Occurs from trauma and associated with osteoporosis.

Question 2

how is compression fracture diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Xrays: Most acute fractures are easily seen on a plain xray. Sometimes depending on the clinical situation an MRI scan or bone scan is necessary.

Question 3

is pt required for a compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

No: The majority of patients do not require therapy for a compression fracture.  Usually walking for exercise and wearing a brace for 3 months to allow the fracture to heal are all that is required.  There are of course exceptions but typically it is as specified above.

Question 4

what are the tests for compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Radiologic: Diagnosis of compression fx starts with plain spine x-rays. If DX is uncertain or suspicious for pathologic fx (bone infiltrated by tumor of any kind, including malignancies), then further imaging is required, such as ct, mri, bone scan, pet scan. These decisions must be made by the diagnostician involved.

Question 5

what is the treatment for compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Rest & analgesics: Vertebral fracture, often a compression fracture in osteoporotic skin, if not caused by trauma, is often very painful.  If intractable not effectively treated with pain medication (analgesics), hospitalization may be required.

Question 6

which specifically is a compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Compression fracture: Compression fractures of the spine are most related to trauma and what happens is the vertebral body, a bony structure in your spine becomes "compression" or shortened in height due to a pressure from trauma that causes it to collagse.

Question 7

what are the main symptoms of compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Pain: Compression fractures are painful at the site of the fracture.  Most heal on their own without any intervention.  A brace can be worn for comfort to take the stress off of the fracture.  If the pain does not go away on its own in a few months, then they can easily be treated as an outpatient with a very short surgery that has no recovery period and no activity restrictions after surgery.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: compression fracture?

Accepted Answer

Compression fracture: Fracture of a bone from longitudinal force, usually referred to in the spine.

Question 9

with compression fracture what else should i be concerned about?

Accepted Answer

Worsening: The biggest concern with compression fractures is continued or worsening collapse of the vertebrae.  Follow up with your neurosurgeon or orthospine surgeon on a regular basis.

Question 10

what should you do if you have a compression fracture in your back?

Accepted Answer

Usually bracing/time: Most compression fractures are treated with bracing for 6 to 8 weeks and pain. Follow the advice of your treating doctor.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Compression fracture shoulder

A member asked:

What is a compression fracture?

A member asked:

How is compression fracture diagnosed?

A member asked:

Is pt required for a compression fracture?

A member asked:

What are the tests for compression fracture?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for compression fracture?

A member asked:

Which specifically is a compression fracture?

A member asked:

What are the main symptoms of compression fracture?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: compression fracture?

A member asked:

With compression fracture what else should i be concerned about?

A member asked:

What should you do if you have a compression fracture in your back?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?