Kyphosis Induced by Fracture
Fractures of the spine are usually caused by trauma but may also
be due to deficient bone structure (osteoporosis, infection, tumor?.
The most common deformity resulting from a spine fracture is a
kyphosis.
This can lead to severe pain and may also involve neurologic symptoms
(tingling, numbness, weakness, paralysis?. It is crucial to rapidly
determine the cause of fractured vertebra.
in order to properly direct treatment. A thorough evaluation is
thus necessary and may include tests such as X-rays, MRI, and
a CT scan.
Proper treatment is guided by the type of fracture, the degree
of kyphosis
and any associated neurologic symptoms. In mild cases when no
neurologic injury or compression is present, treatment may involve
bracing, medication and activity limitations. A common cause of
kyphosis
and fracture of the spine in the elderly is osteoporosis. New
medical treatment programs can reduce the chance of a fracture
occurring by treating the osteoporosis. Once a fracture has occurred
though, the treatment most commonly involves bracing and activity
restriction to help the spine heal. If the pain is severe and
healing is slow, new techniques involving cement injection into
the spine have been developed. Once such method, called " kyphoplasty"?
can markedly reduce the pain of a fracture in properly selected
patients.
For more severe injuries or those that involve any neurologic
symptoms, non-operative care may not be appropriate and the treatment
may involve surgery. In such cases the goals include a correction
of the kyphosis,
stabilization of the spine and a freeing up of any compressed
neurologic structures. Untreated, or inadequately treated fractures
may develop gradual and progressive deformity and severe kyphosis.
Surgical treatment for these rigid and severe deformities is challenging
and must involve an experienced team to optimize chances of a
good outcome.
Frequently
Asked Questions
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