What is the most common site for vertebral fractures?

Incidence and Prevalence. Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur when the bony block or vertebral body in the spine collapses, which can lead to severe pain, deformity and loss of height. These fractures more commonly occur in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of the spine), especially in the lower part.

Do you need surgery for fractured vertebrae?

Spinal fractures can be caused by accidents or occur as a result of osteoporosis. Surgery may be needed for severe cases.

What is the main cause of vertebral fracture?

Spinal fractures are caused by trauma or by conditions that weaken the bones. A traumatic event can put too much pressure on the spine, and the vertebrae can break because they can’t withstand the force. The trauma can cause your body to move in extreme ways, placing an extreme force on your spine.

What does a vertebral compression fracture look like?

A vertebral compression fracture (arrow) has a wedged-shaped appearance. The front of the vertebra has cracked and shortened while the back remains intact. Symptoms A vertebral compression fracture causes back pain. The pain typically occurs near the break itself.

Is there surgery for a vertebral compression fracture?

If you have severe pain that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment, then surgery may be considered. In the past, the only surgical options available to patients with vertebral compression fractures involved extensive procedures. Today, vertebral augmentation procedures offer a minimally invasive alternative.

Are there any symptoms of a vertebral fracture?

Because osteoporosis is a “silent” disease, meaning that there are typically no symptoms until a fracture occurs, it is not uncommon for someone with back pain to be unaware of the fact that he or she has actually fractured a vertebra (or multiple vertebrae) in their spine. Typical Compression Fracture Symptoms.

Can a vertebral fracture be a silent disease?

Because osteoporosis is a “silent” disease, meaning that there are typically no symptoms until a fracture occurs, it is not uncommon for someone with back pain to be unaware of the fact that he or she has actually fractured a vertebra (or multiple vertebrae) in their spine. See What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis.