Vertebral fractures can be, depending on their cause:
- Compression fracture or crush fracture: they are usually due to osteoporosis. The vertebra adopts a wedge-shape. It is the most common and least severe fracture.
- Blowout fracture: due to intense traumatism, the vertebra shatters and the fragments can even get into the spinal canal. It may be associated with neurological damages.
- Fracture. Dislocation: Because of a great trauma, the ligaments connecting the vertebrae break, possibly affecting the shape of the spinal canal, resulting in an injury to the spinal cord in many cases.
Treatment depends on the type of fracture and age of the patient:
- Conservative: rigid brace.
- Surgical: alignment of the vertebrae to achieve their stabilization.
