Treatment of Spinal compression fracture

The compression fracture should be treated in accordance with the severity of the injury. Since modern methods of surgical treatment are almost not available in domestic clinics, this intervention is neglected, which leads to kyphosis and repeatedly raises the risk of neurological complications.

In most cases, however, the injuries are minor and conservative treatment can be sufficient. The fracture heals within two months. To ensure proper fusion, a special corrective corset is used, which does not allow the spine to bend forward. Anaesthesia and rest periods are also prescribed if necessary. The patient’s mobilization can be recovered one week after the fracture.

In some injuries, conservative therapy can lead to an incorrect fusion. Therefore, there is a need for corrective surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment

An open surgery is required in rare cases: in severe injuries accompanied by the damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by fragments of the vertebra. As a rule, the necessary manipulations can be performed with the use of a minimally invasive method. The Medical Travel Neurosurgery Center successfully uses modern treatments for compression spinal fracture, namely vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Vertebroplasty

The minimally invasive procedure helps to eliminate pain and strengthen the vertebra, facilitating rehabilitation.

A needle is inserted into the damaged vertebra under continuous fluoroscopic control, through a small incision on the skin. Once inserted into the damaged vertebra, a special cement (polymethyl methacrylate) is introduced. Bone cement hardens within 15 minutes and prevents the further destruction of the vertebra. Over 80% of patients experience symptom relief immediately after surgery.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is another minimally invasive procedure that not only strengthens the vertebra after the compression fracture, but also can restores its height to prevent kyphosis.

Two needles are brought to the damaged vertebra from different sides through small incisions. These needles play the role of a catheter for the insertion of microsurgical instruments. There are two small openings made in the vertebrae, through which the surgeon inserts two deflated chambers, which, when inflated, restore the correct height of the vertebra. Bone cement is used to fix chambers in the cavity. As a result, it is possible to correct the shape and position of the damaged vertebra.

Rehabilitation

If the nerve structures are not damaged, the rehabilitation after compression fracture is mainly aimed at the gradual mobilization of the patient. The main methods are physiotherapy, manual therapy, electrostimulation and cold exposure.

Physiotherapy usually starts 6-8 weeks after the fracture. At first, exercises cause pain. To eliminate it, one can prescribe electrostimulation, cold therapy or various types of massage. Physiotherapy aims to correct the posture, increase mobility and flexibility, while restoring muscle tone and strength.

A severe traumatic compression fracture requires a completely different rehabilitation program. After this type of fracture, it is necessary to restore many neurological functions of the patient. Learn more about the features of rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries.

On the treatment and rehabilitation after the compression spinal fracture in Germany
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