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Spinal Fractures

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Spinal Fracture Treatment Options with Orthopaedic Care

Orthopaedic spine care has seen several advancements since the treatment and management of spinal fractures. Complicated spinal surgeries have been replaced by less invasive and more effective medical treatment plans. It is important for patients at Florida OrthoCare to have a better understanding of spinal fracture treatment options.

There are two broad treatment options for spinal fractures:

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
SURGICAL TREATMENT

Non-Surgical Treatment Plans For Spinal Fractures

Nonsurgical spinal care is focused on managing pain, and restricting vertebrae motion, while the fractured vertebrae heals.

Here are the nonsurgical treatment options available to you.

PAIN MEDICATIONS

You will be prescribed a variety of painkillers, usually combined for greater effect. The pain medications, usually acetaminophen and Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), help reduce pain- muscular, bone on bone, and nerve pain.

Your pain medications are usually Over The Counter drugs, for easier access. Opioid pain medications may be prescribed for excessive pain, but because of the increased risk of abuse, it is restricted to short-term use.

BACK BRACING

Your spinal column is supported with a back brace, to prevent further aggravation of the fractured vertebrae. The goal of back bracing is to reduce the internal movements of the healing vertebrae- allowing it to heal while properly set. Back braces have the added benefit of reducing pain.

OSTEOPOROSIS MEDICATION

If the fracture is caused by osteoporosis (brittle bones), you may be prescribed bisophonates, which strengthen the bones and reduces the rate of bone loss. These medications will help prevent reoccurrence of such compression fractures.

HOME CARE

You may have to make some modifications to your daily routine. Short periods of bedrest, along with light activity, may be prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your mobility will depend whether one of our physicians will order outpatient physical therapy or home health care services.

Surgical Treatment Plans For Spinal Fractures

Experiencing chronic and excessive pain even after nonsurgical treatment is a pointer to needing surgery.

The surgical options available as a part of orthopedic spine care are:

BALLOON KYPHOPLASTY

This involves using tiny, minimally invasive incisions. The goal of kyphoplasty is to correct bone deformities due to fractions and to reduce chronic persistent pain.

An orthopaedic balloon is used to inject bone cement, which lifts and corrects the positioning of the bone. The procedure generally does not require a prolonged hospital stay, with most patients leaving the same day.

VERTEBROPLASTY

Vertebroplasty is similar to kyphoplasty, they are both done using tiny incisions. Bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebrae- stabilizing and providing further support to the spine. Vertebroplasty effectively reduces chronic pain and provides spinal stability.

Vertebroplasty is an outpatient procedure, with most patients leaving on the same day.

SPINAL FUSION SURGERY

Usually used as a final resort, a spinal fusion surgery stops all vertebrae movement, to reduce pain. Metal screws and latest are used to hold the vertebrae in place, eliminating all vertebrae motion, while they fuse together. Bone grafts are also used to fill vacuums between the vertebrae while the bones fuse together.

Spinal fusion surgery requires 3–4 days of hospital admission. After admission, it may take up to 2 – 6 months to rehabilitate and regain normal functioning.