Burst Fracture (Explosion Spine Fracture)
The spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae that protect the spinal cord. The spaces between the vertebrae allow nerves to travel from the spinal cord to various parts of the body.
A compression fracture is a condition in which a vertebra is crushed only at the front of the spine, causing a wedge shape. If each region of a vertebra is crushed, the condition is called a burst fracture.
Burst fractures are much more severe than compression fractures. Bones spread in all directions and can damage the spinal cord. This damage can cause paralysis or injury to the nerves that control the body's ability to move or feel sensations.
Burst fracture symptoms include:
Moderate to severe back pain that increases with movement
Numbness, tingling and weakness
Failure to properly empty the bowel or bladder if spinal cord injury is involved
Causes and Risk Factors
Burst fractures are usually the result of a motor vehicle accident or fall from a height.
Diagnosis
A doctor usually bases the diagnosis on:
How the injury occurred
A physical exam to check for swelling, bruising, or injury to the head, chest, stomach, and back, and to evaluate the strength, movement, and coordination of the arms and legs
Testing the tone and feel of the muscles that allow the movement of solid waste through the rectum
Nerve testing to assess movement, ability to sense sensations, and reflex movements
x-ray
Computed tomography (CT) scans
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment
Treatment depends on how bad the burst fracture is. Options may include non-surgical approaches or surgery. Surgical treatment is usually recommended if there is pressure on the spinal cord, nerve roots, or both. The surgeon performs a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine with grafts and other implants, as well as to relieve pressure on the vertebrae and nerves. Spinal fusion is to fix the spine with titanium screw and rod systems. Meanwhile, any bone that is in contact with the spinal cord or nerve roots is removed.
