Compression Fractures

700,000 people adults suffer from compression fractures annually in the U.S., according to The American Journal of Medicine. Compression fractures are caused by osteoporosis, cancer-damaged vertebrae or certain spinal fractures. Surgical treatment may be recommended if non-operative treatments fail (bed rest, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, back braces & physical therapy), patient suffers from severe or prolonged pain or immobility and/or the fractured vertebra has led to more serious complications, such as: deep vein thrombosis, acceleration of osteoporosis, respiratory problems, loss of height and emotional or social issues.

Clinical Presentation

• Insidious or acute onset of back pain

• Loss of height or kyphosis

• Physical exam may reveal medially radiating pain at the level of the fracture 

 Diagnosis

• Standing AP & lateral x-rays

• MRI to determine acute fracture & rule out malignancy 

Patient Experience

• Most are discharged the same day
• Performed under general anesthesia
• No large incisions (2 puncture sites per level)
• Most report immediate pain relief 

Patient Selection

• Activity-related axial pain corresponding to level of compression fracture.
• Pain diminishes when lying down or sitting still
• Touch tender over fracture
• Patient evaluation by specialist 

Services

• Vertebroplasty - Cement injection into the fractured vertebral body to relieve pain. 
• Kyphoplasty - Similar to vertebroplasty where special cement is injected into the vertebra, with the additional step of creating space for the treatment with a balloon-like device, which can restore a damaged vertebra’s height and may also relieve pain.
• Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) - RFA destroys tumor cells in bone mets. Cement is injected to fill the void & maintain stability. RFA is complementary to radiation and other treatment methods.
• Fusion - Repairing the bone & joining vertebrae together after an injury.