Specifically, this type of vertebral fracture causes loss of body height and a humped back (kyphosis), especially in elderly women.Ĭompression fractures due to trauma can come from a fall, a forceful jump, a car accident, or any event that stresses the spine past its breaking point. In severe cases of osteoporosis, actions as simple as bending forward can cause a “crush fracture” in a vertebra. Forty percent of all women will have at least one fracture by the time they turn 80 years old. Notably, spinal compression fractures are the most common type of fracture from osteoporosis. Therefore, the spine eventually collapses during normal activity, leading to a spinal compression fracture. Osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in the spine because it weakens bones so that they cannot bear normal pressure. However, if the forces are too high, one or more vertebrae may fracture. Most healthy bones can withstand pressure, and the spine absorbs the shock. If the vertebra becomes too weak to hold normal pressure, it may take very little pressure to cause it to collapse. There are several causes of compression fractures. This posture combined with pressure on the buttocks concentrates pressure on the front part of the spine, the vertebral body. For example, falling to the floor in a sitting position causes the spine to bend and the head to thrust forward. This can happen when the spine bends forward at the same time downward pressure builds on the spine. The bone tissue on the inside of the vertebral body becomes crushed or compressed. The fracture occurs when the vertebral body collapses, causing the front part of the vertebral body to become wedge-shaped. CausesĬompression fractures of the spine generally occur from too much pressure on the vertebral body. Compression fractures of the spine usually occur at the bottom part of the thoracic spine (T11 and T12) and the first vertebra of the lumbar spine (L1). The vertebral bodies are the round blocks of bone that form the front part of the spinal column. Learn more about the anatomy of the thoracic spine. This includes becoming familiar with the various parts that make up the thoracic spine and how these parts work together. In order to understand your symptoms and treatment choices, you should start with a basic understanding of the anatomy of your mid-back. Learn about compression fractures including When vertebral fractures occur, the cause can link to a condition such as osteoporosis, a very hard fall, or another type of injury. These fractures occur most commonly in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of the spine), particularly in the lower part. When the vertebral body collapses, doctors refer to it as a vertebral compression fracture. Vertebrae, bones that make up the spine, can break like other bones of the body. Over the years, we have evaluated and helped many, many patients with compression fractures. Because these doctors specialize in the spine and treat patients every day, they possess exceptional knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure that patients get the best treatment and care. Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute’s board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors: Richard Hostin, MD, Devesh Ramnath, MD, Ishaq Syed, MD, Shyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD, have years of experience treating thousands of patients with complex spine conditions.
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