Spinal fractures, also known as vertebral fractures, don’t get much attention, but they’re a common problem in the United States, especially vertebral compression fractures related to osteoporosis. These breaks occur because of thinning or weakening bones and happen an estimated 1.5 million times each year. For many people, a fracture is the first sign that they have the disease.
While osteoporosis is a leading cause of vertebral fractures, it’s not the only one. You can also sustain spinal fractures because of a trauma, like a fall or car accident, or due to underlying conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, or excessive drinking.
Regardless of the cause of your fracture, these breaks can leave you with significant back pain. And, depending on the severity and location, some fractures can cause additional issues, such as:
Dr. Arien Smith brings a unique combination of orthopedic and neurosurgical training to Brain and Spine Institute of New York and New Jersey. This expertise gives him an edge when treating complex back disorders, including fractures and spinal deformities. If you have a vertebral fracture, here are a few ways Dr. Smith could help.
Dr. Smith strives to treat patients with the most conservative approaches available whenever possible. And the good news is that most vertebral fractures don’t require surgery.
In many cases, Dr. Smith can treat fractures with:
However, Dr. Smith could recommend surgery if you have severe damage, pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, or a fracture that could put your spinal cord at risk.
If you need spinal surgery, you’re in excellent hands with Dr. Smith. He has advanced training in minimally invasive techniques and robot-assisted technology. He also performs surgical procedures at several top-tier hospitals in New York and New Jersey.
When treating spinal fractures surgically, Dr. Smith often relies on two specific procedures: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
Surgeons in the United States have used this fracture treatment since the early 1990s. It involves injecting especially formulated acrylic bone cement into the fractured vertebra. This substance hardens within a matter of minutes, stabilizing and strengthening the broken bone.
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty. However, before injecting the cement, Dr. Smith first inserts and inflates a balloon at the fractured vertebrae to create more space. This added step increases vertebral height as well as improving strength and stability.
Dr. Smith usually performs both of these treatments on an outpatient basis, so you go home the same day. These surgeries typically take 1-2 hours, depending on the number of vertebrae Dr. Smith treats. However, if a tumor caused your spinal fracture, you may need an additional procedure to remove the mass before Dr. Smith can repair the broken bone.
After vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, you generally need up to 24 hours of bed rest before resuming normal activity. You should avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for up to six weeks.
Do you have a vertebral fracture? Learn more about your treatment options by contacting Brain and Spine Institute of New York and New Jersey to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith today.
