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Symptoms, first aid, transport and treatment of compression fracture of the spine

A Compression fracture of the spine is one of the types of injuries, accompanied by compression of the segment bodies and nerve endings. It develops due to the strong impact, resulting in compression of the vertebrae with changing their height and anatomical integrity. First aid in case of fracture of the spine should be rendered immediately. Otherwise there is a high risk of complications.

Problem compression fracture

Variety of compression fracture

Any damage to the vertebrae causing serious harm to the human body. This condition requires immediate decision making and first aid. The fractures are characterized by the severity of the damage and the duration of the recovery process. It reflects a code ICD 10 following the diagnosis. Main types of fractures:

  1. Non-penetrating damage. Occurs in 38% of all cases. Develops in compression occurring without caudal and cranial endplate. This condition is characterized by damage to adjacent discs. Regeneration is successful.
  2. Penetrating damage. This form of fracture of the spine is one of the most severe. Covers damage to the cranial vertebral end plate and disc. The repair is characterized by unfavorable course.
  3. Comminuted damage. As a result of this process is not excluded the formation of a false joint. If the fracture is chronic, conservative treatment does not have the desired effect. Surgical intervention is characterized by a specific complexity.

In Addition to the above classification, fractures are divided into the following:

  • breast;
  • lumbar
  • neck;
  • coccygeal
  • sacral.

spinal column

Consolidated fracture is diagnosed less frequently. Cervical departments suffer in rare cases. Depending on the severity of the damage, identify the following types of fractures:

  1. First degree. This type is characterized by a reduced height of the vertebrae. Fractures of the 1 degree are not heavy. Occur they are much easier than others, the recovery period is not long;
  2. the Second degree. Injuries of this type occur more frequently. They are characterized by a reduced height of the vertebrae in half
  3. the Third degree. It is serious. Height of vertebrae decreased by more than half.

Recognize, what type of fracture and what measures to use, will help a proper diagnosis.

risk Factors and clinical picture

The Impact on the spine powerful force leads to the development of compression fracture. To affect this process can excessive axial loads. In particular, the impact on the ground due to falling from height. In addition, fixed and other causes of fractures. Occurrence of damage possible on the background of subsidence of cartilage located between the vertebrae. It develops as a result of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This can lead to loss of shock absorbing properties of the intervertebral disc. Bone structure because of this become vulnerable. The probability of damage is high.

To Develop a fracture is able on the background of osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by changes in the structure of bone tissue. The vertebrae become brittle due to the weakening. This greatly increases the risk of fracture. This condition is more often recorded in the elderly. Osteoporosis contributes to the reduction of human growth and the formation of hump. In extremely rare cases, the fracture develops as a result of metastasis.

Fall down on your back is the cause of compression fracture of the spine

symptoms if the damage is completely dependent on its location and severity. to Influence this process may cause, which had developed a fracture. In this regard, there are several basic types of damage which have their own characteristics.

A Compression fracture is characterized by acute and severe pain. It is localized in the lumbar region, with subsequent spread to the extremities. If the damaged nerve endings, is significantly reduced sensitivity, the body may be numb, there is severe weakness. It is not excluded other neurological symptoms.

If there has been a gradual destruction of the vertebrae, the victim exasperated moderate pain. Over time it can increase. This condition occurs due to progression of osteoporosis. Often fractures of the spine can lead to serious consequences, such as damage to the spinal cord. This leads to the development of additional symptoms. Severe pain is supplemented by internal injuries, particularly of the pelvis. If there was a decompression fracture, the clinical picture is diluted a sharp pain during breathing.

First aid

First aid should be provided according to the rules. Ignorance may lead to the deterioration of the victim. Particular importance is attached to the position during transportation. Compliance with the rules of first aid increases the chance of a person to a normal existence. So, transportation of the victim should be on a solid surface.

Analgesics for pain reduction

If possible the person necessary to give analgesics to reduce pain. The damaged area must be well fixed. Not having at hand a special equipment, that is hard to do. In this case it is recommended to immobilize the entire spine. This action is perfect for any hard surface. This can be a broad Board or counter top. The victim must be bound to the surface to avoid falling.

Cervical spine requires fixation, head movement must be limited. This will prevent additional damage. To move a patient, but with the help of three people. The action should be executed synchronously. In no case can not put the victim or try to put him on his feet. Not pull his limbs, trying to straighten the vertebrae, to give medicine in case of unconsciousness.

knowledge of the basic rules of first aid can be useful to everyone. Proper conduct will increase the chance of the victim to have a normal life.

radiology

The First thing is visual inspection and palpation of the spine. The main signs of fracture are visible to the naked eye. Lesions are characterized by acute pain. If the fracture is accompanied by splinters and fragments, while palpation palpate them easily. Based on these data, it is possible to make the preliminary diagnosis. But without additional methods of diagnostics it is impossible to prescribe the correct treatment.

Transporting the victim at the break

Usually after a visual examination is followed by x-rays. It allows you to identify pathology in the spine, which could develop a fracture. Radiography is conducted in a direct, lateral and oblique projections. The mandatory consultation of the neurologist. This will allow to check the functional ability of the spinal cord. This technique is aimed at monitoring the health of nerve endings.

Special information content different functional radiographs. With her holding the vertebrae should be maximally flattened. Using this information, the orthopedic surgeon evaluates the condition of the spine. To correct diagnosis use additional methods of diagnosis. Thanks to them, you notice any abnormalities in the spine. Radiography is conducted not only for diagnosis, but also monitor the progress of Union of bones.

Another type of study is myelography. Its main purpose was to determine the General condition of the spinal cord. As additional diagnostic procedures can be used computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Often rent General analysis of blood. This will allow to identify the main quantity of all substances in its composition.

After the diagnostic measures your doctor can determine the type of pathology. There are three main types: flexione, axial or rotational damage. Classification of fracture helps in the drawing up of a treatment plan for the patient.

clinical management of patient

Removal of injuries of the spine may be carried out in several stages. It all depends on the complexity of the situation and condition of the victim.

Conservative treatment. A compression fracture of the first calls for the elimination of pain, activity limitations. In addition, the position of the victim should be recorded. Current treatment is based on the use of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. These methods are referred to as minimally invasive, due to certain characteristics they give good results in the fight against fractures. Full bone fusion will take at least 3 months. During this period you will have to follow some rules.

X-rays to diagnose a spinal fracture

The Treatment of pain. To resolve the expressed pain analgesics will help. Take them orally or by intramuscular injection. Increasingly availing themselves of dipyrone, ibuprofen and diclofenac. In severe cases, the use of salts and procaine.

Limitation of activity. A person needs to sit less and stand, the best position is lying down. In no event it is impossible to lift weights and take actions that can increase the load on the spine. To treat a compression fracture is better with bed rest. Especially if the age of the victim is more than 50 years.

Commit. Certain types of lesions require the use of special locking corsets. This will allow to fix the spine and limit his movement. Thus, the trunk is always in the right position. This improves the process of Union of the vertebrae.

Invasive methods. Forelimination of fractures some doctors use modern methods. This may be vertebroplasty, consisting in the introduction of special "cement" in a broken vertebrae.

This method will reduce the pain and increase the strength of the spine. The second method of treatment is kyphoplasty. Thanks to her, reaches complete height restoration of the spine. The method consists in introducing into the vertebral body balloon. This will restore height. The bulb is filled with bone cement, thereby holding the spine in the correct position. These methods are often applied to adults, in children they are not practiced.

surgery. If a compression fracture is characterized by instability and is accompanied by neurological complications have resorted to surgical methods.

surgery based on the removal of the damaged fragment has a marked effect on the nerve endings.

replaced by special metal retainers.

How to treat a compression fracture, the attending physician decides. Much depends on the complexity of the damage and condition of the patient.