Spinal fractures may occur due to a variety of factors, the most common being trauma such as automobile accidents, falls, or high-impact sports. Other causes include conditions that weaken the bones, including osteoporosis. Causes of vertebral fractures include:

Trauma, including:
• car accidents
• falls
• sports
• violent acts (eg, being shot)

Conditions that weaken the bones, such as :
• osteoporosis
• bone cancer
• spinal tumors

A fractured vertebra can be very serious as it conceals the spinal cord, which is responsible for the transmission of nerve signals throughout the entire body. If a spine has been fractured, there is a risk that the spinal cord could be involved. If this is the case, there could be additional symptoms, including:

• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Chronic pain
• Pins and needles sensations

It is important to seek medical attention right away if there are any changes in feeling below the point of injury or if there is pain that is constant and debilitating.

A fractured vertebra is typically treated with noninvasive medical treatments or invasive procedures.

Noninvasive medical treatments for fractured vertebrae may include immobilization in a brace for up to 12 weeks, which helps to reduce pain and prevent deformity.

In severe cases, surgery may be required:

• Vertebroplasty — This surgical procedure has been used for a few decades and has seen much success in the treatment of fractured vertebrae. During the procedure, first a catheter is inserted into the compressed vertebra, which is used to inject the fractured vertebrae with bone cement. This bone cement hardens and stabilizes the vertebral column. Although this procedure does not correct the spinal deformity, it has been shown to reduce or eliminate fracture pain and enable a quick return to mobility, which in turn prevents bone loss due to bed rest.

• Kyphoplasty — Described as the surgical filling of an injured or collapsed vertebra, kyphoplasty involves inserting a tube into the vertebral column under X-ray guidance. This is followed by the insertion of an inflatable bone tamp into a small incision. Once inflated, the tamp creates a cavity to be filled with bone cement while restoring the vertebral body back toward its original height. Kyphoplasty restores the original shape and form of the spine while removing pain from spinal compression.

If a fracture is left untreated, it can result in the bone failing to re-fuse (nonunion) or having a delayed re-fusion (delayed union). This can result in skeletal deformities that can cause problems with mobility or range of motion. In many cases, this can also cause pain that ranges from mild to severe and that can be persistent and unabating or present at irregular intervals. In most untreated fractures, the pain and damage will likely worsen over time. It can also lead to higher susceptibility of infections and misalignment.

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