Spinal Fracture

Spinal Fracture Care at UVM Health

A spinal fracture is a break in one or more vertebrae, the bones that run in a column from your neck to your low back. Some fractures occur when your bones lose density and become fragile, a condition known as osteoporosis. Others occur because of a major trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury.

Whatever the cause, a spinal fracture can lead to severe pain and significantly disrupt your life. At University of Vermont Health, our team treats more spinal fractures than any other in Vermont and northern New York. Our skilled, experienced spine specialists offer a range of treatments to help you heal.

A medical provider holds an X-Ray image of a spine.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:

Specialized care: Experts in our Spinal Fracture Clinic offer advanced nonsurgical treatment for compression fractures (collapsed vertebrae). Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists and physician assistants with specific training in spine fracture treatment care for you as a team.
Thoughtful approach: Our specialists have advanced modern fracture care, finding success using nonoperative treatment for fractures that were historically treated surgically. We only turn to surgery when it is the best option for you.
Care for complex fractures: We work with the orthopedic trauma team to provide emergency treatment for severe and complex spine fractures. A spine surgeon is on call 24/7 with the emergency department at University of Vermont Medical Center, so you receive timely, specialized care when you need it most.
Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers at the forefront of orthopedic care, presenting our research at national meetings.

Types of Spinal Fractures

There are two main types of spinal fractures:

Compression fractures: When your spinal bones (vertebrae) weaken and collapse. These injuries are most common in people with osteoporosis.
Traumatic fractures: When one or more of your vertebrae break due to a traumatic injury. These are usually severe injuries, such as those sustained in a car crash, skiing accident or fall from a significant height.

Diagnosing Spinal Fractures

When diagnosing a spinal fracture, we use imaging tests to get a close look at your bones and soft tissues, including:

X-rays: Use low doses of radiation to create images of your bones
MRIs: Use magnets and radio waves to get a close look at your soft tissues
CT scans: Provide a 3-dimensional picture of your bones

Spinal Fracture Treatment

Your treatment plan depends on the type of fracture you have and how severe it is. Most compression fractures will heal with nonsurgical treatment in our Spinal Fracture Clinic. More complex fractures may also damage your nerves and soft tissues, requiring more extensive treatment. Your care may include:

Medications

You may need to take anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, muscle relaxers or other medicines. Our specialists offer multiple medication options to help decrease pain while you heal.

Physical Therapy

Our experienced physical therapists treat hundreds of fractures every year. They will develop a plan to support your healing, recommending movements to do and activities avoid. As your fracture heals, your physical therapist will give you specific exercises to improve your range of motion, build strength and lower your risk of future injury.

Bracing

You may need to wear a neck or back brace. Braces help stabilize your spine while your fracture heals.

Trauma Surgery

Depending on the severity of your fracture, you may need surgery. The surgeon may use screws, rods or cages to stabilize your spine. They may also operate to return your vertebrae to their usual position (reduction) or relieve pressure on your spinal cord. You usually only need surgery for complex traumatic fractures.

Awards & Certifications

Healthgrades

Healthgrades, a prominent online resource for consumers seeking information about doctors and hospitals, has named University of Vermont Medical Center among the top 10 percent in the U.S. for outpatient orthopedic surgery and recognized the academic medical center with its prestigious Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award.