Most compression fractures from trauma will heal in 8 - 10 weeks with rest, bracing, and pain medications. Recovery time will be many weeks longer if surgery is necessary.

Fractures due to osteoprosis usually become less painful with rest and pain medications, but some can cause chronic pain and disability.

While medications to treat osteoporosis can help prevent future fractures, the collapse of the vertebrae that has already occurred cannot be reversed.

For compression fractures caused by tumors, the outcome depends on the type of tumor involved. Some common tumors that involve the spine include:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Lymphoma
• Prostate cancer

Complications may include:

• Failure of the bones to fuse after surgery
• Humpback (kyphosis)
• Spinal cord or nerve root compression

Call your health care provider if:

• You have back pain and you think you may have a compression fracture
• Worsening symptoms or difficulty with controlling your bladder and bowel function

Images

Compression fracture

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Review Date: 12/01/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)