Spine Fracture: A spine fracture is a serious condition defined as a break in the vertebrae, which can impact life similarly to other fractures.

Symptoms: Patients with spine fractures often present with:

• Back pain – the most common complaint
• Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking
• Radicular pain, tingling, or numbness in the limbs
• Weakness in limbs
• Bladder/bowel incontinence
• Spinal deformity and posture changes, especially in untreated cases

Spine Fracture Causes:

• In younger patients, high-impact injuries like road accidents, falls, or sports injuries are common causes.
• In older patients, osteoporosis is a leading factor; low bone density can make minor trauma, like sneezing, cause fractures.
• Fractures may also be associated with:
  • Metastatic tumors
  • Long-term steroid use or other drug-induced conditions

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and imaging studies:

• MRI – the preferred method for detailed assessment
• X-rays and CT scans
• Bone density tests:
  • Also known as BMD or DEXA scans
  • Evaluate osteoporosis severity and guide fixation choice during surgery
  • Assist in medical management of osteoporosis

Management: Treatment depends on factors like:

• The underlying cause of the fracture
• Type and location of the fracture

Most spine fractures can be managed conservatively without surgery.

• Pain management through medication
• Bracing for back support, strength improvement, and fracture prevention
• Physical therapy to maintain joint mobility and prevent complications while bedridden
• Treatment of associated factors, such as osteoporosis

Surgery: Typically Required When:

• Non-surgical treatments fail
• Pain and disability increase despite conservative treatment
• Nerve compression occurs, causing limb weakness or incontinence
• Significant spinal deformity

Types of Surgery:

• In younger patients: Spinal fixation, with or without neural decompression, depending on injury severity.
• In older patients: Balloon kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, which are minimally invasive procedures using special cement to stabilize fractures with minimal intervention.

In some cases, a combination of fixation and cementing may be needed.