Spinal Fractures

A spinal fracture is a break or dislocation in the vertebrae, often resulting from trauma, osteoporosis, or tumors affecting spinal stability. Depending on the severity, spinal fractures can range from minor compression fractures to severe spinal cord injuries that impair movement and sensation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a spine specialist or spine surgeon are essential to prevent complications such as chronic pain, nerve damage, or paralysis.

Why Choose A Spine Surgeon at Aster Hospitals?

At Aster Hospitals, our team of expert spine surgeons and specialists provide comprehensive care for spinal fractures using advanced diagnostic tools and tailored treatment plans. We offer minimally invasive surgical techniques, rehabilitation programs, and pain management strategies to optimize recovery and restore mobility.

Symptoms

Severe back pain that worsens with movement.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs (if nerves are affected).
Loss of height or spinal deformity (common in compression fractures).
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
Bowel or bladder dysfunction in severe spinal cord involvement.

If any of these symptoms occur, immediate evaluation by a spine specialist is crucial.

Diagnosis

X-rays: Provide an initial assessment of bone fractures.
CT Scan: Offers detailed imaging for complex fractures.
MRI: Identifies soft tissue, nerve, and spinal cord damage.
Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan): Determines osteoporosis-related fracture risk.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Management

Many stable fractures can be treated without surgery, using:

Bracing: Provides spinal support to prevent further injury and promotes healing.
Pain Management: Includes NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and nerve pain medications.
Physical Therapy: Strengthens muscles to support the spine and restore function.
Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications like bisphosphonates can prevent future fractures.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For mild to moderate fractures, non-surgical interventions include:

Vertebroplasty: A cement injection stabilizes compression fractures and reduces pain.
Kyphoplasty: A balloon is inserted to restore vertebral height before cement injection.

Surgical Interventions

Severe fractures may require surgery by a spine surgeon to stabilize the spine and relieve nerve compression.

Spinal Fusion: Fuses fractured vertebrae using bone grafts and metal implants.
Laminectomy: Removes bone fragments compressing the spinal cord.
Rod and Screw Fixation: Provides mechanical support to align and stabilize the spine.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Recovery from a spinal fracture depends on the extent of the injury, age, and overall health. A comprehensive rehabilitation program includes:

Physical Therapy: Restores flexibility and strengthens spinal muscles.
Pain Management Techniques: Includes nerve stimulation, acupuncture, and posture correction.
Gradual Activity Resumption: Avoiding high-impact movements while maintaining mobility.

FAQ's

Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.

How long does it take to recover from a spinal fracture?

Recovery varies based on severity. Mild fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, while severe cases requiring surgery may take several months.

Can spinal fractures heal on their own?

Stable fractures may heal with bracing and rest, but severe cases often require medical intervention to prevent complications.

Are all spinal tumours cancerous?

No, many spinal tumours are benign, but they can still cause neurological symptoms if they press on the spinal cord.

Can spinal tumours be treated without surgery?

Yes, non-surgical treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and pain management are effective for some tumours.

What causes spinal tumours?

The exact cause is unknown, but genetic mutations and cancer spread from other organs are common factors

When is surgery necessary for a spinal fracture?

Surgery is needed for unstable fractures, spinal cord compression, or severe pain that does not improve with conservative treatment. A spine surgeon determines the best approach.

Does osteoporosis increase the risk of spinal fractures?

Yes. Osteoporotic bones are fragile, making compression fractures more common in elderly individuals.

When is surgery required for spinal tumours?

Surgery is recommended when tumours cause severe pain, spinal instability, or neurological impairment and should be operated by a spine surgeon.

How long is the recovery period after spinal tumour surgery?

Recovery varies but may take weeks to months, depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition.