What is a fracture of thoracic compression?
The fracture of the thoracic compression is a fracture of one or more bones in the middle part of the spinal vertebrae, called the thoracic spine. Most fractures are the result of traumatic injuries as it can happen in a bad fall or car accident. While painful, most compression fractures do not lead to serious medical complications. However, if broken vertebrae presses or damages nearby spinal nerves, one can experience considerable numbness. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the patient may need several weeks of rest in bed, rear brace or surgery to overcome the fracture of the thoracic compression. The spine fractures are more common in the thoracic spine than in the cervical region above or in the lumbar region below, because the thoracic vertebrae are relatively thin and weaker. When a small amount of pressure is exerted on the spine, the vertebral column is sufficiently flexible and dispersed. However, bones can be stunned by a high -strength trauma and are unable to give enough to prevent fractures.
Some compression fractures are not the result of direct injury. Conditions such as osteoporosis that weakens bone tissue may cause the vertebrae to deteriorate slowly, eventually burst and leads to a fracture of thoracic compression. Rarely, a cancer or benign tumor growing on or near the column can exert sufficient pressure on the vertebra to cause fractures.
A person who is experiencing traumatic spine injuries is usually aware of reality, because pain, swelling and stiffness appear immediately. The fracture of thoracic compression, which is the result of osteoporosis or other progressive state, tends to gradually deteriorate, making it difficult to know if there is a turning point. A person who has a serious or deteriorating back Pain should be brought to the emergency room as soon as possible so that specialists can determine the nature and seriousness of the injury.
In the hospital, the doctor may take X -rays and countWork tomographic scanning back to look for signs of chest compression fractures. The doctor also performs a thorough physical examination to determine whether the patient suffers from numbness, tingling, weakness or cognitive problems. Depending on the patient's condition and other injuries that may have occurred, specialists may have to provide urgent medicine and treatment to stabilize breathing, vital symptoms and consciousness.
After determining the severity of the fracture of the thoracic compression, the physician may consider several treatment options. When the break is isolated and is unlikely to break, a specialist can simply suggest that the patient avoids physical activity for several weeks and attends regular checks to monitor recovery. Also patients are equipped with rear braces that help maintain their spine immobile, while the vertebrae have time to recover. In case of severe injury that prevents the nerves or spinal cord itself, surgery is required to remove bone shards, overAvava tissues and vertebral insurance together.