Question 1

are vertebral compression fractures common?

Accepted Answer

Yes: They occur in older patients usually due to osteoporosis.  Women are affected 6:1 compared to men.

Question 2

compression fractures in spine, what to do?

Accepted Answer

Many options: From bracing to medication management to vertebroplasty. Interventional pain techniques can help with pain. Bracing can help with pain as well as prevention. Work on correcting osteoporosis as much as possible. Consider physical therapy as well. I hope that helps!

Question 3

how do you treat vertebral compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Fracture: These are usually treated with a brace to stabilize the area until it heals (at least 6 weeks)

Sometimes special cement can be injected with a surgical procedure to treat the fracture (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty)

Question 4

how are vertebral compression fractures diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Mri scan is the most accurate test.  Pain over the fracture site is the most useful physical finding.

Question 5

are stress fractures and compression fractures the same?

Accepted Answer

Different: Stress fractures are classic overuse injuries, defined as when injury to tissue (in this case bone) is injured at a rate which exceeds the body's ability to heal or recover.  Compression fractures usually result from an injury.

Question 6

how are vertebral compression fractures typically treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 60% probably need some form of treatment.  Simple options include rest and medication.  Bracing does not seem to be of much benefit although it is often ordered.  Physical therapy may help patients mobilize but can be challenging if severe pain.  30-40% of vcf's come to surgery which is usually immediately helpful.

Question 7

what is the usual cause of compression fractures in the spine?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis: The usual cause of compression fractures in the spine is osteoporosis -- low bone mass that usually occurs after menopause in women but it can occur in men after testosterone levels have dropped or for anyone on certain medications that interfer with bone metabolism.  Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin d along with exercise can slow progression but one should check with their physician.

Question 8

what does it mean when your spinal compression fractures are mild?

Accepted Answer

Compression fracture: Mild compression fractures in healthy premenopausal women are usually treated with a back brace. Healing ranges from 6-13 weeks in non smokers. When the fractures are moderate to severe and interfere with daily activity then bone cement can be placed in the vertebral body (kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty) to repair the fracture and eliminate the pain.

Question 9

help docs! i'm trying to find out what causes compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Mainly falls and in: Association with osteoporosis in majority of cases.

Question 10

what does it mean if i have osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?

Accepted Answer

Patient specific: Some patients have no pain while others suffer debilitating pain from a vcf.  Regardless, it is critical to treat your osteoporosis.

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What are compression fractures

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Are vertebral compression fractures common?

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Compression fractures in spine, what to do?

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How do you treat vertebral compression fractures?

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How are vertebral compression fractures diagnosed?

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Are stress fractures and compression fractures the same?

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How are vertebral compression fractures typically treated?

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What is the usual cause of compression fractures in the spine?

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What does it mean when your spinal compression fractures are mild?

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Help docs! i'm trying to find out what causes compression fractures?

A member asked:

What does it mean if i have osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures?

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