Healing

Fracture healing depends on many factors. The general condition of the patient plays a major role, as do possible concomitant diseases, age and constitution. To ensure optimal healing, the fracture should be kept as still as possible so that new bone can form.

If the fracture is not immobilized, healing can be severely restricted and delayed. Under good healing conditions, bone needs about 6 weeks to restore its continuity. However, the newly formed tissue is then not yet well able to bear weight.

Full stability and resilience can only be expected after about 3 months. A physician can make individual statements about the healing of the fracture by means of a specific examination and imaging procedures and accordingly determine the load-bearing capacity of the vertebra. Only when the doctor gives his OK should the back be fully loaded again.

Spinous process fracture of the cervical spine

Spinous Process Fracture of the BWS

The upper segments are particularly susceptible to fractures of the spinous processes of the BWS. The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae and long, downward pointing spinous processes. If the length of the thoracic spine is increased, the spinous processes become steeper and steeper (like roof tiles).

In the event of a fall, they are not as exposed as for example the vertebra prominence (spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra) or the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae. The contact of the thorax with the ribs also protects the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae from fractures. However, if a spinous process in the thoracic spine of the thoracic spine is fractured, the fracture can be stabilized with a corset.During the subsequent physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment, the emphasis is placed on postural correction and straightening of the spine.

The gliding of the shoulder blade over the rib cage can also be improved by specific exercises, thus preventing a restriction of shoulder mobility. Coordination exercises for the autochthonous back musculature in the area of thoracic spinal cord injury are also part of the therapy for spinal fractures in this section of the spine. Respiratory therapy may also be necessary if respiratory function is restricted over a longer period of time due to pain.