Compression Fracture

Compression = the application of strong pressure
Fracture = a break in a bone








  • pain in back, arms, or legs


Causes and Risk Factors






For the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for compression fracture.




Steroid injection

  • Trigger point injections
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Transforaminal injections

Ozone injection

Pulsed radiofrequency

Botox® injections



Spinal cord stimulation


If the fracture is caused by osteoporosis, treatment of the osteoporosis can help prevent additional fractures. Treatment may include calcium and vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, and weight bearing exercises.

Surgery may be necessary if the spine appears to be unstable. The surgeon may perform a vertebroplasty or a kyphoplasty. During these surgical procedures, the surgeon injects a cement mixture into the fractured bone to stabilize the fracture, treat pain, and prevent a spinal deformity from progressing.

In some cases, the surgeon may need to perform a spinal stabilization and fusion surgery to support the spine until the bone heals. During these procedures, the surgeon places a bone graft across the area of instability, allowing the vertebrae to fuse (grow together). The surgeon secures the spine with an internal fixation implant, using screws and rods, to hold the vertebrae in place while the bone heals.

The surgeon will tailor the treatment to each individual patient and specific presentation.