The healing of a vertebral fracture depends first of all on the severity of the fracture, the number of fractured vertebrae, the time until a suitable therapy is found, the type of therapy and the patient’s previous illnesses. First of all, it is of course best to identify the fracture as quickly as possible and initiate a suitable therapy. The earlier the fracture is detected, the better the chances of recovery.
If it is a completely bony injury, the fracture usually heals quickly. Complications can occur, however, if ligaments and discs are injured at the same time. It is also relevant which nerve tract and spinal cord damage is present as a result of the vertebral fracture. Nerve path injuries and spinal cord damage can be partially irreversible, especially in cases of complete paraplegia.
For osteoporosis
In the further course after a vertebral fracture, prophylaxis against osteoporotic vertebral fractures is also important, or whether osteoporosis is already present. The presence of osteoporosis is another factor that makes healing more difficult. Therefore, if osteoporosis is present, calcium and vitamin D therapy should be initiated immediately in order to avoid hindering the healing process and to prevent further vertebral fractures.
It is also important to distinguish between stable and unstable fractures with regard to healing. In stable vertebral fractures, the front edge of the vertebra is usually compressed, but the rear edge is still intact, so that a stable structure is created. In addition, the spinal cord and nerve tracts are usually not subject to constriction.
Stable vertebral fractures include those caused by osteoporosis, where minor trauma causes the fractures. In the long term, the body weight can cause wedge-like changes in the vertebrae in osteoporosis, which in the case of several vertebrae can lead to a hunchback or humpback. This usually results in chronic pain.
In the case of unstable vertebral fractures, the rear edge of the vertebra is usually also injured. Here, vertebral fragments press on the spinal cord or surrounding structures. This category usually includes vertebral fractures caused by accidents with high levels of violence.
Depending on their severity, they can result in paraplegia. Paralysis that has already occurred is usually not reversible. In addition, there are other underlying diseases such as tumor diseases, which can play a role in healing. Congenital predispositions also have an effect on healing, such as scoliosis, kyphoses, transitional vertebrae and spondylolisthesis.
