What are the causes of Lumbar Compression Fracture?
There can be many causes of Lumbar Compression Fracture. In the case of normal healthy bones, if there is too much pressure on the vertebrae, more than it could sustain due to a hard fall or injury, one or more vertebrae could collapse causing the fracture.
Another common cause of Lumbar Compression Fracture is loss of bone density due to disease osteoporosis. Due to thinning of bones, vertebrae cannot even take normal pressure and can collapse during normal activity.
What are the signs and symptoms of Lumbar Compression Fracture?
In case of sudden and severe injury causing the Lumbar Compression Fracture in an otherwise healthy individual, the patient will feel a lot of pain in the back, arms, and legs. The patient might also feel weakness or numbness in limbs if nerves of the spine are injured. If the fracture is caused by conditions like osteoporosis or cancer caused by bone thinning, the collapse would be gradual and during the normal activity. In these cases pain is generally milder, in certain cases, there is no pain until the bone breaks.
How is the diagnosis of Lumbar Compression Fracture done?
While more than two-thirds of the patients with Lumbar Compression Fracture are asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients may include mild to severe symptoms like back pain, and abrupt onset of pain during lifting, coughing, sneezing, etc.
A Neurosurgeon and Spine Specialist may analyse the symptoms and conduct a physical examination which would include neurological assessment. The Lumbar Compression Fractures are typically diagnosed by lateral radiography of the vertebral column. MRI is recommended for patients who do not improve with care and if the symptoms deteriorate. MRI can typically help identify malignant fractures and determine the timing of fracture. Neurosurgeon and Spine Specialist may recommend other blood tests if osteoporosis is suspected.
Treatment of Lumbar Compression Fracture
The treatment aims at reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing future fractures. The conservative treatment includes mostly non-invasive techniques to provide pain relief. Bed rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy would be prescribed to restore function and provide pain relief.
For cases where the conservative approach is ineffective, Neurosurgeon and Spine Specialist may suggest vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures.
Dr Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Spine specialists for doing Lumbar Compression Fracture treatments in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your Lumbar Compression Fracture treatments.