New Treatments for Spine Fractures

You’ve only got one spine, so keeping it healthy is crucial—especially as you age, when risk of spine fracture becomes a significant concern.

Spine fractures may be caused by:

• Osteoporosis, a gradual loss of bone as you age, which contributes to at least 700,000 fractures per year in the United States [FACT CHECK, 2011; also 2016]
• Trauma, such as a car accident or fall
• Sports-related activities, such as weightlifting and gymnastics, that put excessive stress on the skeletal system
• Cancers, such as multiple myeloma, that weaken internal bone structure, leading to collapsed vertebrae

Help for Spine Fractures

Whether caused by trauma, long-term stress or osteoporosis, pinpointing the location and extent of a spine fracture is the first step toward resolution. Image tests may include X-rays, CT scan or MRI. Treatments vary widely, depending on the type and extent of your injury. If your case is complicated, you’ll be referred to a spine specialist.

Until recently, treatment for spine fractures was limited to pain control with medications, bed rest, bracing or spinal surgery. Today, two options called vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty offer new hope by reducing and stabilizing compression fractures. Benefits of these nonsurgical treatments include pain relief and reduction of spinal deformities caused by osteoporosis.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty require only a small incision and an average hospital stay of one day, with a quick return to normal activities. Studies of both procedures show excellent results for pain relief.