Diagnosing vertebral compression fractures can be difficult – in that X-rays do not always show the fracture. In this instance, if the patient has back pain and an X-ray does not show a fracture – many times it is assumed that the back pain is caused by muscle strain.
That is why sometimes, it is important to see a spine specialist; i.e. a minimally invasive spine specialist that focuses on spine diagnosis and treatment. One key component in diagnosing spinal fractures is the patient’s medical history. Additionally, a clinical exam is important to determine the sensitivity and tenderness around the affected vertebrae.
If a vertebral compression fracture is suspected, even if an X-ray does not show a fracture – other diagnostic tests may be ordered as a result of the patient’s medical history and clinical exam. These tests can include a CAT scan, MRI or nuclear bone scan.
If a vertebral compression fracture is diagnosed – it is important to determine the cause for effective treatment. The most common cause of a vertebral compression fracture is osteoporosis but other causes are trauma or some types of cancer.
If the cause of the vertebral compression fracture is determined to be osteoporosis, common treatment options include bracing, analgesics, medications to help sustain or restore bone mass, and vertebral augmentation. In vertebral augmentation, the goals of treatment are to stabilize and eliminate the pain caused by the vertebral compression fracture. The two types of vertebral augmentation available include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
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