Fracture
A fracture is a broken bone. It can range from a thin crack to a complete break. Bone can fracture crosswise, lengthwise, in several places, or into many pieces. Most fractures happen when a bone is impacted by more force or pressure than it can support.
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What are the reasons for lumbar spine fracture?
Spinal fractures are a serious orthopedic injury primarily resulting from high-velocity impacts including:
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Car or motorcycle accident
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Fall from height
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Sports accident
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Violent act (gunshot wound or assault)
Other conditions that cause spinal fractures include:
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Osteoporosis
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Spinal tumors
Symptoms of lumbar spine fracture
The most common symptom of spinal fracture is severe back pain that worsens with movement
Spinal fracture symptoms may include:
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Pain in the back
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Tingling or numbness
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Weakness or paralysis of limbs
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Uncontrolled muscle spasms
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Loss of urinary or bowel control
When should I seek medical help?
If you experience any high-velocity trauma including a car accident and suffer from intense back pain, go to the hospital immediately. Also, seek help if you feel:
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Severe back pain that worsens with movement
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Neurological symptoms
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Lower limb weakness or paralysis
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Tingling and numbness of lower limbs
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Loss of bladder control
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Diagnosis
Spinal fractures require an evaluation from a medical doctor. Depending on injuries, other diagnostic tests your doctor may recommend include:
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X-rays to check for fractures or abnormal position of the spine
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Spine CT scan to view changes in the bone structure
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MRI scan to determine soft tissue damage to the ligaments and discs, and assess spinal cord injury
Treatment
When a spinal fracture occurs, the first step in treating the fracture is to stabilize the individual usually using a backboard or a stretcher.
To prevent the person from moving and sustaining further injuries.
After further assessment of the fracture, the next steps include:
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Surgery
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Depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
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Relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine
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Non-surgical treatment could be given to minor fractures with a brace with rest.
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Pain control
After emergency treatments are implemented, treatment for spinal fractures may include:
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Physical rehabilitation and therapy
Recovery
Regardless of whether treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, there will be a period of rehabilitation after a fracture has healed.
The goals of rehabilitation include:
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Reducing pain
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Restoring mobility
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Returning the patient as closely as possible to his or her preinjury state
The rehabilitation could be done in both in-patient and out-patient settings.
If your fracture was caused by osteoporosis, you are at an increased risk for additional fractures. Your doctor would recommend treatments to restore bone density.
Possible complications include
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Chronic pain
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Inadequate reduction of the fracture
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Neurologic injury (paralysis)
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Progressive deformity of the spine.
Prevention of osteoporotic fracture of the spine
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Weight-bearing exercise
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Adequate dietary calcium
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Adequate sunshine for Vitamin D absorption
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Avoidance of smoking
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Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
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Prevent falls