Compression Fractures
Q: What exactly are compression fractures? What causes them and how are they treated?
A: Compression fractures occur when the vertebrae in the spine collapse from their normal height of an inch or so to about half that size.
Osteoporosis is the most common cause, and a fall is often the precipitating event. Because the bone mass is decreased and weaker, a fracture may occur without any trauma at all. Sudden bending or lifting or even coughing could cause compression. Cancer invading the spine would be another, rarer cause of a compression fracture. Young people can also get compression fractures if they are weight lifters, gymnasts, or doing something very strenuous.
The pain usually resolves after several weeks, but the patient will lose height, and there may be noticeable curvature of the spine.
Vertebroplasty, in which orthopedic cement is injected into the broken vertebrae, can strengthen the bone and help prevent further damage.
Article Created: 1998-07-23
Article Updated: 2004-10-21
"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
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