Quality Care for Spine Fracture in Patients of All Ages

A fracture of the spine occurs when there is a broken bone in the spine. In the U.S., approximately 700,000 cases of spine fractures arise each year. These fractures are often the result of osteoporosis, spinal tumors, spine infections, vehicle accidents, falls, sports activities and violence.

For patients of all ages, our spine specialist team at University Hospitals has the expertise and experience, as well as access to the most advanced technology available, to diagnose, treat and help you recover from your spine fracture. Our goal is your goal – to resume your activities safely and efficiently. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, we can provide fractured spine treatment for even the most severe or complex fracture

Expert Diagnosis of Spine Fractures

Pain, bruising, numbness, swelling, weakness, sensory changes and loss of bowel and bladder control are the most common spine fracture symptoms.

If you are living with osteoporosis or have experienced a traumatic event, you should be evaluated for a spine fracture. Our spine specialists conduct a range of tests to diagnose this condition, including:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: CT scans use X-rays to generate pictures of the cross-sections of your body and may reveal a spine fracture more clearly than traditional X-rays.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRIs use radio waves and power magnets to create precise images of your spine without radiation.
• X-rays: Although X-rays can reveal most spine fractures, other imaging technology may be used to look for fractures that are difficult to see.

Expertise in Conservative Treatments & Minimally Invasive Procedures

At University Hospitals, our spine specialists begin every treatment plan with conservative options to control spine fracture pain and stabilize the fracture to prevent it from worsening.

Physicians may encourage you to take a pain medication and/or wear a brace to restrict movement and immobilize your spine while you heal. If your fracture is unstable, we may recommend performing a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery to join two vertebrae together with a bone graft and form one solid bone.

For fractures that are the result of conditions like osteoporosis and spinal tumors, the following minimally invasive procedures may be recommended by our spine surgeons:

• Kyphoplasty: In a kyphoplasty, a balloon is inserted and inflated to expand the vertebra from a compression fracture before the space is filled with bone cement.
• Vertebroplasty: A vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement through a hollow needle into the fracture.

Both minimally invasive procedures are conducted in an outpatient setting and only take one to two hours to complete. If you undergo a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, you will likely be discharged the same day. Such minimally invasive procedures also promote faster recoveries and less disruption to your life.

Personalized Rehabilitation Programs

In the event your spine fracture has led to loss of movement, a personalized rehabilitation program will be designed for your specific needs. The goal of rehabilitation following a spine fracture is to help you completely heal so you can return to your everyday activities and live an independent lifestyle.

You may receive care from a variety of highly trained and experienced rehabilitation professionals including:

• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Rehabilitation nurses
• Sleep experts
• Dietitians
• Pharmacists

With your specific rehabilitation program, you can trust the UH care team is working in close partnership with your physicians to help you achieve optimal health.

Contact Our Spine Specialists Today

For more information on spine fractures or to schedule an appointment with our spine specialists, contact us today at 216-286-8888.