Compression Fracture Information

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when bones of the spine, collapse. Most VCFs occur in the mid to lower back and are often caused by falls in people with weakened bones. A VCF can be extremely painful but can be relieved by a quick, minimally invasive procedure.

Am I a candidate for Compression Fracture treatment?

Some patients with VCF can be treated with bed rest, minimal pain medications, and physical therapy. However, a large number of patients with VCF have persistent extreme pain that can limit normal activities and may require narcotic medications to control the pain. In these cases an evaluation by our team is appropriate. Please fill out our consultation form and a member of our staff will contact you as soon as possible. Additional imaging such as a spine MRI may be needed to determine if you are a good candidate and to plan the treatment. Compression fracture treatment is called kyphoplasty.

What can I expect from Compression Fracture treatment?

The majority of our patients have immediate pain relief. In some patients, full relief may take up to as long as 2 weeks. The goal is to return to normal activities without limitation or the need for pain medications. A few patients (about 10%) get little or no relief from kyphoplasty. In this case, we can help arrange alternate therapies that may be helpful. In addition, many people benefit from follow up therapy for weakened bones (osteoporosis). If this is not treated additional painful VCF may occur.