Compression Fracture
Spinal compression fractures can cause severe pain and loss of height. Apteum Spine provides expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options including minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures.
What Is a Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when one of the bones in the spine (vertebra) collapses, usually due to excessive pressure. The front of the vertebra typically cracks and loses height, while the back remains stable. Compression fractures most commonly occur in the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine.
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. In severe osteoporosis, even simple activities like bending, coughing, or sneezing can cause a fracture. Other causes include trauma from falls or accidents, cancer that has spread to the spine (metastatic disease), and infections that weaken the vertebrae.
Complications of Untreated Fractures
Left untreated, compression fractures can lead to chronic pain, progressive loss of height, kyphosis (forward curvature of the spine), reduced lung capacity, difficulty with daily activities, and an increased risk of additional fractures. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these complications and restore quality of life.
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Osteoporosis treatment to prevent future fractures