Treatment of spinal compression fractures is so harmful

The minerals and bone matrix of the bone tissue of some elderly people gradually change, resulting in increased bone brittleness and reduced fracture resistance, making them more susceptible to spinal compression fractures. So far, there is no effective treatment to restore the porous bone tissue to normal. Until recent years, foreign scholars developed Kyphoplasty (Chinese translation: "percutaneous vertebral balloon kyphoplasty"), which brought a new turn of events.

1. Causes of spinal compression fractures

The spine is the main weight-bearing structure of the upper body. As we age, the minerals and bone matrix of bone tissue gradually change, resulting in increased bone brittleness and decreased fracture resistance. Under the long-term effect of its own gravity, the cancellous bone is eventually compressed and deformed into a wedge shape due to being unable to bear the heavy load. This pathological change often occurs in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae. It does not form in a day or two, but is slowly compressed. Eventually, the entire cone becomes a trapezoid that is wide at the back and narrow at the front, causing the spine to bend and deform. The reason why most elderly people are hunched over and walk unsteadily is the result of this change. This type of vertebra is very likely to fracture once it is subjected to indirect vertical violence, or minor trauma, or even without any trauma.

2. Consequences of vertebral compression fractures

After the vertebrae are deformed due to osteoporosis, the center of gravity shifts forward, causing changes in balance and muscle fatigue, which manifests as a hunched back, bulging abdomen, slow walking, and easy falls and fractures. When a vertebral fracture occurs, the patient will immediately feel severe back pain and be unable to stand upright. Once a fracture occurs, the chance of another fracture increases fivefold because the collapse of individual vertebrae increases the chance of damage and degeneration in other parts. At the same time, long-term bed rest and reduced activity can lead to more bone loss. Spinal deformity also causes pressure on the chest and abdomen, affecting breathing and appetite, and also reduces sleep quality. This vicious cycle leads to a variety of complications. Not only that, vertebral compression fractures can also cause a variety of psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, etc., leading to a decline in social status.

Treatment of vertebral compression fractures

So far, there is no effective treatment to restore the porous bone tissue to normal. Therefore, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures have become a serious health hazard facing the elderly. Previous treatment methods included bed rest, anesthesia and analgesia, and brace wearing, but the effects were very poor. Long-term bed rest will reduce activity, aggravate bone loss and further worsen osteoporosis; the use of anesthetics can only provide short-term analgesia and cannot correct deformities, and long-term use will also have many side effects. Open surgical treatment is not only extremely traumatic, but can also aggravate bone porousness. Traditional vertebroplasty does not reduce the fracture, but solidifies it in the deformed position. Although this can relieve pain, the deformity is retained and there are many sequelae. It is also prone to leakage and various complications.

It was not until recent years that foreign scholars developed Kyphoplasty (Chinese translation: "percutaneous vertebral balloon kyphoplasty"), which brought a new turning point.