Dr. Abhinav Singhal is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Ghaziabad with over 10 years of experience, specializing in joint arthroscopy, joint replacement, and complex trauma care.
A vertebral fracture is a break in one of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). It can range from a mild compression fracture to a severe burst or unstable fracture that threatens the spinal cord or nerves.
Osteoporosis (most common in older adults)
High-energy trauma (falls, car accidents, sports injuries)
Spinal tumors or infections
Metastatic cancer weakening the bone
Pathologic fractures from minimal stress
Sudden back pain after a fall or minor movement
Pain worsens with standing or walking
Decreased height or stooped posture (in chronic cases)
Numbness, weakness, or paralysis (if spinal cord or nerves are affected)
Difficulty walking or bladder/bowel control loss (in severe cases)
Physical exam: Tenderness, deformity, neurological signs
X-ray: Initial screening for compression or wedge fractures
CT Scan: Detailed assessment of bony fragments
MRI: Evaluates spinal cord compression, ligament damage, and edema
Bone density test (DEXA): If osteoporosis suspected
For stable fractures without nerve damage
Bracing (TLSO or Jewett brace): 6–12 weeks
Pain management: NSAIDs, opioids (short term)
Activity modification
Physical therapy: Post-bracing rehab
Osteoporosis treatment if applicable
Indicated in:
Unstable fractures
Neurological deficits
Failed conservative treatment
Severe kyphotic deformity
Vertebroplasty: Injection of bone cement into fractured vertebra
Kyphoplasty: Cement injection + balloon to restore height
Spinal fusion: Stabilization using rods, screws, and bone graft
Decompression (laminectomy): If spinal cord or nerve is compressed
Recovery time depends on :-
Severity of fracture
Surgical vs nonsurgical management
Age and bone health
Chronic back pain
Spinal deformity (kyphosis)
Loss of height
Nerve damage or paralysis
Adjacent segment degeneration after fusion
Re-fracture, especially in osteoporotic patients
F&Q'sYes, stable compression fractures often heal with bracing and rest. Unstable fractures usually need surgery.
Yes, it’s minimally invasive with quick pain relief. Risks include cement leakage and adjacent fractures.
Flat on your back or side with a pillow between knees. Use brace if prescribed.
Most patients do, especially with proper rehab. Severe injuries or nerve involvement may limit recovery.
Treat osteoporosis
Fall prevention strategies
Calcium/Vitamin D and weight-bearing exercises
A vertebral fracture is a break in one of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). It can range from a mild compression fracture to a severe burst or unstable fracture that threatens the spinal cord or nerves.