Broken vertebral body
A vertebral body can be broken in various ways. An enormous vertical compression, in which the vertebral bodies are pressed together from above and below, can lead to so-called “impressions” or indentations, to the formation of gaps, or to complete fragmentation of the vertebral body. In addition, the vertebral body can be fractured by too violent bending, stretching or rotation of the spinal column. Osteoporosis, in which the bones lose substance, is another common reason for one or more broken vertebral bodies. In particular, those broken vertebral bodies that endanger the stability of the spine and lead to neurological problems such as nerve failure or paraplegia are in need of treatment.
Cage
A cage is usually understood to be a titanium basket used in spinal surgery. It can be used as a disc or vertebral body replacement on the one hand and as a stabilization of a broken vertebral body on the other hand. In both cases, the cage has the task of maintaining the spinal column as a skeletal element and providing further protection for the spinal cord.
Pain in the vertebral body
The causes of pain can be rheumatic diseases or fractures and injuries of the vertebral body caused by an accident, violent impact or in the context of osteoporosis. An incorrect loading of the vertebral bodies or congenital malformations can lead to deformation of the spine. The vertebral bodies can cause pain and restrictions in mobility.
In addition, if they are deformed, they can lead to scoliosis, i.e. a deviation of the spine to the side, or a pronounced humpback. Associated with this, or due to the collapse of the vertebral bodies in osteoporosis, is a reduction in upper body height and consequently in body size. Vertebral body complaints can be treated by specially made corsets and physiotherapy or by surgery.
In this case, the goal of therapy is to promote the stability of the spine and maintain the protection of the spinal cord. In some cases, a part of the spinal column even has to be stiffened.In order to be able to assess a problem of the vertebral body more precisely, it is necessary to have an imaging of the spine in addition to a survey of the symptoms and a physical examination. Suitable methods for this are X-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The prognosis depends on which structures have been affected. In order to prevent vertebral body complaints, it can be helpful to correct defective positions during physiotherapy and to strengthen the back muscles through sports in order to relieve the vertebral bodies. In addition, women in particular should have their osteoporosis clarified at an early stage.
