What is an Vertebral Compression Fracture?
In this type of fracture, the top of the vertebral body collapses down with more collapse in front thus producing the “wedged” vertebrae, the “dowagers” hump and shortened height. Why Treat a Vertebral Compression Fracture? The first, and most obvious reason is for pain relief. The relief or decrease in pain after Kyphoplasty is usually immediate, and occurs in about 90% of patients treated. Prolonged bed rest, or inactivity, causes loss of muscle mass and strength. Improvement in pulmonary (breathing) function – one thoracic VCF causes 9% loss in ability to take a deep breath. Psychological consequences Depression develops in up to 40% of patients with compression fractures, due to chronic pain, changes in body image, deterioration in the ability to perform self-care, and pro-longed bed rest. Background and history: The most common cause of compression fractures is osteoporosis. This is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural changes causing bones to become fragile and
