Compression Fracture

Compression Fracture is a stable fracture of the vertebral body of the spine. These result in collapse of the vertebral body, increasing the forward bend, or Kyphosis of the spine. Compression fractures usually are from minor trauma in older patients with osteoporosis. Compression fracture can occur in younger patient with higher trauma with little consequence other than pain. Older patients with fragile bone and deficient bone metabolism are prone to slow healing. Within a month or two, these fractures should heal, but it is not uncommon for the fractures to persist in an unstable, painful state. Kyphoplasty is a procedure in which bone cement is injected into the fracture site for fractures that are painful or progressively collapse.