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Vertebral Fractures

Vertebral fractures occur when the vertebrae break or collapse, not necessarily due to an obvious trauma. There are various types of vertebral fractures, which can be classified as either traumatic (due to accidents, with potential neurological consequences) or degenerative (such as osteoporotic fractures).

25 %

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures constitute 25% of all fragility fractures, with a 70% prevalence in women.
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50 %

Around 50% of vertebral fractures remain undiagnosed, increasing mortality risk by 20%.
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What causes vertebral fractures?

Vertebrae can fracture or collapse due to a reduction in bone tissue. Primary osteoporosis and menopause are not the only conditions responsible for bone tissue loss. Bone mass loss, which increases the risk of fractures, can also be caused by concurrent conditions such as hyperthyroidism, benign and malignant tumors, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Symptoms

Symptoms are often represented by back pain. This pain can indicate that a vertebral fracture has occurred. If persistent pain is felt for several days, it is important to visit your doctor to determine the cause and decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

Diagnosis

It is advisable to promptly report unusual back pain to your doctor. Early diagnosis offers more treatment options. Through a physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, the presence of a compression vertebral fracture can be identified.

Treatment

The wide variety of fractures requires different treatment approaches. In milder cases, rest may be sufficient, but in more severe cases, surgery may be needed. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial. Unfortunately, a vertebral fracture increases the likelihood of further fractures in the vertebrae adjacent to the already fractured one. For the treatment of degenerative spinal conditions, spinal fusion surgery is often recommended. Using bone substitutes, this procedure allows for the fusion or connection of two or more adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain.