A wedge fracture is a vertebral compression fracture occurring anteriorly or laterally. Viewed, the affected vertebra resembles a wedge. These fractures are more commonly found in the thoracic spine, which is rather rigid displaying only a few degrees of flexion and extension.
What causes a wedged vertebrae?
When an external force is applied to the spine, such as from a fall or carrying of a sudden heavy weight, the forces may exceed the ability of the bone within the vertebral body to support the load. This may cause the front part of the vertebral body to crush forming a wedge shape.
Is wedging the same as a compression fracture?
The most common type of compression fracture is a wedge fracture, in which the front of the vertebral body collapses but the back does not, meaning that the bone assumes a wedge shape. Sometimes, more than one vertebra fractures, a condition called multiple compression fractures.
Can wedge fracture get worse?
The main symptom you’ll notice with a spinal compression fracture is back pain. It may start gradually and get worse over time or come on suddenly and sharply.
What does compression deformity mean?
A compression fracture occurs when the bone collapses, particularly in short bones such as the vertebrae in the spine. Vertebral compression fractures result when the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses.
How long does it take to recover from a wedge fracture?
Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months. While that happens, your doctor may suggest you try some things at home that can make you feel better, such as pain medicines, rest, physical therapy, or a back brace.
How do you fix a wedge compression fracture?
Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia that may be used to treat compression fractures. During this procedure, a catheter is advanced into the compressed vertebra. Through the catheter, bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra.
Can a wedge fracture heal?
What is anterior wedge fracture?
Wedge fractures are hyperflexion injuries to the vertebral body resulting from axial loading. Most commonly affecting the anterior aspect, wedge fractures are considered a single-column (i.e. stable) fracture.
What is a wedge fracture?
A wedge fracture results from a crush fracture in the front of the vertebrae, giving it a wedge shape on imaging. People acquire a wedge fracture of the spine from any mechanism that leads to compression of the vertebrae.
What is a wedge shaped vertebra?
Hemivertebrae are wedge-shaped vertebrae and therefore can cause an angle in the spine (such as kyphosis, scoliosis , and lordosis). Among the congenital vertebral anomalies, hemivertebrae are the most likely to cause neurologic problems. The most common location is the midthoracic vertebrae, especially the eighth (T8).
