Vertebral Fractures

Spinal fractures occur when one or more spinal bones break due to trauma or a condition that weakens the bones, such as osteoarthritis. Fragments from the affected bones can irritate nerves in the surrounding area, causing severe spine pain.

Surgery is done when spinal fractures are unable to heal on their own with the use of braces and other nonsurgical treatments. Procedures for spinal fractures involve removing damaged bone and any parts of the affected bones that are pressing on the spinal cord. The spine is then stabilized with metal rods or screws as the damaged bones heal.