Roohealthcare.com – If you’ve suffered a traumatic injury to your spine, you may be considering a Thoracic Wedge Fracture. While you don’t necessarily need to seek surgery, you should limit your activities and limit heavy lifting for a few weeks. Your doctor may put you on bed rest for a while to help your body heal. In addition to physical therapy, your doctor may prescribe medications. Depending on your specific condition, you might need to stay off of your feet for a few weeks or months. During this time, your doctor may prescribe a special back brace to support your spine and prevent any further stress on the area.
Main Symptoms of Thoracic Wedge Fracture
The main symptoms of thoracic wedge fracture are pain and neurological damage. Pain is the most common symptom, and it often lasts for several days or weeks. The severity of a thoracic wedge fracture will depend on the degree of angulation and the potential neurological effects. If left untreated, the fracture may result in a spinal cord injury that impairs strength, sensation, and reflexes. Although this injury is typically not life-threatening, it is important to seek immediate treatment.
A wedge fracture occurs when the vertebrae are separated from one another by a disc. When external forces overload the vertebrae, the fracture occurs as a wedge-shaped or hunchback-like structure. These injuries can range from mild to severe, with varying degrees of neurologic involvement. If adjacent vertebrae are fractured and there is 50% anterior wedging, it is considered a serious injury. Sometimes bone fragments may be found in the spinal canal, which may result in symptoms of myelopathy.
One of the Procedures for Treatment is Laminectomy
Treatment for this condition should involve the decompression of the spinal canal and stabilization of the fracture. One such procedure is called a laminectomy and involves removing the bony arch of the spinal canal and other structures that place pressure on the spinal cord. This process relieves pressure on the spinal cord and provides extra room for it to drift backward. The procedure may be performed on the back or side to allow the spinal cord to drift backward without further injury.
Although the incidence of VCFs is expected to increase as the population ages, it is estimated that 10% of the elderly population will suffer from this condition. According to the National Health and Nutrition Program, approximately 34 million American adults are affected by osteoporosis. The number of patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia is expected to rise. Moreover, the incidence of VCFs is high in the elderly population, with 10.7 per 1000 women and 5.7 per 1000 men diagnosed annually.
Compression Fractures can Occur Along the Spine
Compression fractures can occur anywhere along the spine, including the thoracic spine and the upper back. While they rarely occur above T7 in the spine, they are more likely to occur in the upper lumbar and thoracic segments. Despite its name, this type of fracture is a serious complication, and it is best to consult a doctor right away to avoid complications. So, what are the symptoms of this condition?
A thorough history of your condition is very important for a proper diagnosis. During your medical appointment, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire, which asks questions about your pain, location, and intensity. The more details you provide, the easier it is for your physician to make a correct diagnosis. If the pain has spread to different parts of your body, answer them appropriately. Your physician will then ask you questions based on this information.
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