Conditions
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Clinical information and resources for Stryker Interventional Spine products
Spinal Fracture
Compression Fractures of the Spine
Fragility fractures are a serious and growing problem for older adults. In fact, 50% of women and 25% of men will have an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime.[1] Compression fractures of the spine (also known as vertebral compression fractures or VCFs) are the most common with an estimated 700,000 such fractures reported nationally each year.[2]
The bones in your spine are called vertebrae. In a compression fracture of the spine, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. This condition is commonly caused by osteoporosis and less often by tumor or trauma to the back.
Symptoms
The main clinical symptoms of vertebral fractures typically include one or a combination of the following symptoms:
- Sudden onset of back pain
- Back pain that worsens while standing or walking
- Limited spinal mobility
- Height loss
- Deformity and disability
Consequences
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are usually followed by sharp back pain, and may lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Kyphosis (commonly referred to as a dowager's hump)
- Loss of height
- Crowding of internal organs
This progressive decline in health is often called the "downward spiral." Since one fracture can lead to another, it is important that VCFs be diagnosed and treated early.
Sometimes a compression fracture in the spine may not cause any back pain or other symptoms. If you experience height loss, have limited ability to twist and bend, and/or develop a deformity in the spine, it is important that you talk to your doctor.
