What is compression fractures of the spine?

Anatomy
To better understand the mechanisms of compression fractures, and the principles of treatment should learn the basics of the anatomy of the spine.Compression fracture occurs when.
The effect of high pressure on the vertebral body In general, the mechanism of injury is a combination of spinal flexion movement forward in conjunction with the axial load. This leads to considerable pressure on the front structure of the spine - the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. In case of a compression fracture of the vertebral body from a flattened, in order to acquire the shape of a wedge. With a significant reduction in the height of the anterior vertebral bodies, the back of the body are inserted into the spinal canal and cause compression of the spinal cord. Fortunately, such large fractures are rare. 

Symptoms
If the fracture has occurred as a result of a significant external force, the time of the injury patients experience severe pain in his back. In some cases, the pain may radiate (give) up in the hands or feet. If the damage nerve structures arise weakness and numbness in the upper or lower extremities.Abnormal vertebral fracture when minor injuries that may be accompanied by only minor back pain occurs. 

Diagnosis
On some of the typical patient questions answered in writing before visiting a specialist in filling a special form. After incorporating the data questionnaire doctor additional questions about symptoms, mechanism of injury, your lifestyle, medical history and operations taking drugs. Very important information is an accurate description of the pain that is bothering you at the moment. So many times during the consultation, the doctor gives the patient the following questions:

    1. Where do you feel pain? How strong is the pain?
    2. Is no pain to other parts of the body?
    3. What factors increase or decrease the pain?
    4. If you have abnormal urination or defecation? 

The physical examination 
Following discussions with the doctor performs a physical examination of the patient. At this stage of the diagnostic search diagnosis can be installed in order to determine further investigation plan. Implemented palpation painful areas (neck, back), assessment of muscle strength and sensibility in the limbs, check deep tendon reflexes, nerve root tension signs, and other specialized tests. 

Laboratory and instrumental studies 
To confirm, use radiographic vertebral fractures of the spine. This research method allows the visualization of the bony structures. By X-ray X-ray machine on the screen, on a special paper or foil In some cases, a more detailed examination of the fracture to identify damage indicating instability of the vertebral motor segment for computed tomography (CT). In this study as a possible diagnosis of lesions of bone and soft tissue structures. Image is the result of a series of X-rays from different angles and digital images taken at different heights with a computer tomograph and presented as a series of cross-sections of the body. 

If you suspect a damaged neural structures must perform (spinal cord, nerve roots) MRI. This modern painless research is the "gold standard" for diagnosis of damage to the soft tissue (spinal cord, nerves, tendons, muscles, etc.). The functional principle of MRI is the study of the structure myagkihtkaney with electromagnetic waves. This completely safe and painless diagnostic method is now widely used in neurosurgical practice. 

For the diagnosis of vertebral fracture, to determine the degree of compression of the neural structures can be used and other methods of research (myelography, discography, radioisotope scan).