![]() If the fracture is caused by osteoporosis, treatment of the osteoporosis can help prevent additional fractures. The doctor will order X-rays monthly to see how the fracture is healing. Vertebral fractures typically take about three months to fully heal. ![]() The doctor may recommend wearing a brace that helps support the back and prevents bending forward, and therefore removes pressure from the fractured vertebrae. These treatments include pain medications and modified physical activity. Since compression fractures usually occur in weakened bone, doctors may order additional tests to look for osteoporosis, tumor, or infection.įor the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for compression fracture. (The amount of radiation is small–less than the radiation in half of one CT scan.) This scan helps identify damaged bones. Nuclear bone scan: a diagnostic procedure in which a radioactive substance is injected into the body to measure activity in the bones.CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. Computed tomography scan (CT scan): a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the body.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.Dynamic, or flexion/extension X-rays (X-rays that show the spine in motion) may be obtained to see if there is any abnormal or excessive movement or instability in the spine at the affected levels. Specific bony abnormalities such as bone spurs, disc space narrowing, vertebral body fracture, collapse, or erosion can also be identified on plain film X-rays. Spinal dislocation or slippage (also known as spondylolisthesis), kyphosis, scoliosis, as well as local and overall spine balance can be assessed with X-rays. X-rays provide an overall assessment of the bone anatomy as well as the curvature and alignment of the vertebral column. Soft tissue structures such as the spinal cord, spinal nerves, the disc and ligaments are usually not seen on X-rays, nor on most tumors, vascular malformations, or cysts. X-ray (also known as plain films) –test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams (X-rays) to produce images of bones. ![]() If a compression fracture is suspected, the doctor may order the following diagnostic procedures: To diagnose compression fracture, a doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. In some cases, a person who experiences multiple compression fractures may notice a loss of height.Ĭompression fractures usually occur in the thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower) spine. Multiple compression fractures can lead to kyphosis, a spinal deformity when the upper back curves forward, creating the appearance of a hunchback. Sometimes, more than one vertebra fractures, a condition called multiple compression fractures. The most common type of compression fracture is a wedge fracture, in which the front of the vertebral body collapses but the back does not, meaning that the bone assumes a wedge shape. In a compression fracture, the vertebral body collapses. The vertebral body is the cylindrical shaped portion of the vertebral one that lies in front and provides the majority of structural support. You can feel the spinous process, a projection from this arch, when you press on the skin in the middle of your back. The vertebral arch is a ring-shaped section that forms the roof of the spinal canal and protects the spinal cord. The bones of the spine have two main section. ![]() Compression = the application of strong pressureĪ compression fracture occurs when part of a vertebra, or bone in the spine, collapses. ![]()
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