Compression fracture symptoms
Pain in the arms, back and legs are a common sign of spinal compression fractures. These types of fractures affect one's movement when spinal cord and nerve damage occurs.
Other signs of compression fractures include:
- Weak legs and arms
- Limb numbness
- Reduced height
- Diagnosis
Plain films or x-rays create images of the bones in the spine and reveal signs of significant curvature and irregular vertebral column alignment. A bone scan is also useful as it detects bone deterioration. Other diagnostic tests include MRI and CT scans. An MRI captures detailed images of soft tissue structures such as ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, and the spinal cord.
Treatment
Through the use of x-ray imaging from fluoroscopy, surgeons guide a needle through a small puncture in the skin to the fractured vertebrae. Fluoroscopy prevents structural damage to the spinal cord. The doctors fill the vertebral body space with special bone cement known as Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to cover the cracks within the bone and stabilise the structure. PMMA is carefully and evenly administered to prevent an excess of vertebral cement. Once the surgeon removes the needle, he waits for at least ten minutes for the cement to harden.
Generally, the pain disappears after the procedure, but it may take at least seventy-two hours for pain relief. The surgeon will prescribe anti-inflammatories to relieve discomfort and provide post-operative care instructions. Because vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, recovery is fast. Strenuous activity must, however, be avoided for six weeks after vertebroplasty. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor the patient's recovery.
“Once you choose hope, anything is possible”.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE