Spine Fracture

A spinal fracture or a broken back occurs when there is a dislocation or breaking of one or more vertebrae, the building blocks of your spine. The fracture can occur anywhere along the spine, and its impact on your health can vary in severity. 

The spine, also known as the backbone, provides structural support to your body and facilitates various body functions. Fractures in the spine can occur due to a range of factors, including trauma, underlying medical conditions, or degenerative changes in bone density. 

Spine fractures can have a significant impact on your posture and range of motion. In severe cases, it can lead to potential long-term issues and also cause loss of mobility.

The treatment of spine fractures can vary depending on the severity and type of spine fracture. At Kimball Health Services, we provide prompt diagnosis and medical intervention to address spine fractures. We aim to minimize complications and optimize recovery. 

The spine or vertebral column is divided into five regions:

• Cervical or the neck
• Thoracic or the upper back
• Lumbar or the lower back
• Sacral or sacrum (forms the back part of the pelvis and connects the spine to the hip bones)
• Coccygeal or the tailbone

The spine is composed of the following components. 

• Vertebrae: The spine is composed of small bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other. There are typically 33 vertebrae in the vertebral column. 
• Intervertebral discs: Located between adjacent vertebrae, intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and facilitate flexibility.
• Spinal cord and nerves: The spinal cord extends from the brainstem to the lower back and transmits signals between the brain and the rest of your body. Spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord and branch out through openings between the vertebrae.
• Vertebral canal: The vertebral canal is the hollow space formed by the stacked vertebrae. It protects the spinal cord.

Spine fractures can be classified into various types based on the location of the fracture and the type of fracture pattern. Common types of spine fractures include:

• Cervical spine fracture when vertebrae in the neck region break.
• Thoracic spine fracture when vertebrae in the upper back, extending from the base of the neck to the bottom of the ribs, are fractured.
• Lumbar spine fractures when vertebrae in the lower back break.

Common types of spine fractures based on how the bone breaks include: 

• Compression fracture: It is the most common type of fracture and often occurs at the front of the vertebra. These fractures are characterized by small breaks or cracks in the vertebrae, resulting from either traumas or the gradual development of osteoporosis. 
• Burst fracture: It involves the complete fracturing of the vertebra and occurs when the spine is subjected to sudden, intense compression forces. This type of fracture causes the vertebra to break into multiple pieces and is commonly associated with high-energy traumas, such as car accidents or falls from significant heights.
• Chance (flexion/distraction) fracture: Chance fractures occur when the vertebrae are suddenly pulled away from each other, resulting in a horizontal split in the vertebra. They are frequently associated with car accidents where the upper body is flexed over a lap seatbelt.

Causes of spine fractures include:

• High-impact events, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries, can lead to spine fractures.
• Weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis can make your spine more susceptible to fractures, even with minimal trauma.
• Cancerous or non-cancerous tumors can weaken your bones and make them more prone to fractures.
• Infections affecting the spine can weaken the vertebrae and lead to fractures.

Not all spine fractures present with the same set and severity of symptoms, and some fractures may be asymptomatic or have subtle signs. Symptoms can vary based on whether the fracture is the result of trauma or related to underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis.

Common symptoms associated with spine fractures include:

• Sudden, severe back pain, which may worsen with movement or pressure on the affected area
• Difficulty bending, twisting, or moving the spine
• Visible deformity or misalignment of the spine
• Numbness or tingling in your back that might run down your arms or legs
• Stooped posture and loss of height
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, particularly with thoracic spine fractures 
• Swelling or tenderness at the site of the fracture
• Incontinence or loss of urinary or bowel control

In cases of severe trauma, symptoms of shock may be present, including rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and pale or clammy skin.

The diagnosis of spine fracture involves a thorough examination of your spine along with imaging tests to accurately identify the fracture and its specific characteristics. At Kimball Health Services, we employ a comprehensive diagnostic approach to accurately identify the extent of your fracture and any underlying conditions that may be present.

The diagnostic process begins with a detailed assessment of your medical history, during which information about the circumstances surrounding your injury, the onset of symptoms, and any relevant medical conditions will be gathered. It will be followed by a physical examination of your spine to assess its neurological function, evaluate range of motion, and identify areas of tenderness or deformity. 

Following the clinical evaluation, imaging studies are employed to precisely identify the type and extent of the fracture and gain further insights into the injury. The imaging tests may include:

• X-rays to confirm fractures, alignment issues, and other bone abnormalities. X-rays can help assess the degree of displacement of your bones. 
• CT Scans to get detailed cross-sectional images of your spine. They provide additional information about the extent and specific characteristics of the fracture.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI to assess soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and intervertebral discs in the spine. This is particularly useful when there is concern about nerve compression or spinal damage.

The treatment for spine fractures can vary based on the type and cause of the fracture and the severity of the injury. Treatment options may involve a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods. These options may include:

• Bracing: A back brace can help immobilize your spine and hold it in alignment to promote healing. Bracing is often employed for conditions like burst fractures or osteoporotic compression fractures, with treatment durations typically ranging from 6 to 12 weeks.
• Physical therapy: Tailored exercises and techniques can help manage pain, improve spine mobility, and strengthen back muscles to promote overall spine health. Physical therapy is valuable during the recovery and rehabilitation phases. It also helps reduce bone loss and the risk of future spinal fractures. 
• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help manage back pain. Additionally, medications addressing the underlying conditions, such as osteoporosis, can help reduce the risk of spine fracture.
• Surgery: In severe cases with significant spinal damage, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery can be considered when the spinal fracture poses a risk to the spinal cord and non-surgical treatments haven't been effective. 

At Kimball Health Services, we offer a range of treatment options, including surgical interventions, to address different types of spine fractures. Our dynamic orthopedic team of  Dr. Jeffrey T. MacMillan and Karen Wenner, APRN, DNP, offers comprehensive medical attention and care to facilitate the healing of spine fractures. 

We aim to optimize the recovery process and enhance your overall health without complications.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. To schedule a consultation with our healthcare providers, please contact us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online.