Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF)

Have you been diagnosed with Vertebral Compression Fractures? If you would like a consultative appointment with Dr. Frazier to treat your Vertebral Compression Fractures, please complete this form.

Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF)

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when one of the spine’s vertebral bodies (Figure 1) cracks, collapses, and/or becomes misshaped by compressive force(s).  The front, back, and/or side of the vertebral body may become wedge-shaped, with loss of height on one or more sides (Figure 2).


Figure 1: Normal vertebral body; overhead (axial) and side (lateral) views

Compression fractures affect thousands of people every year.  Many people do not realize sudden and intense back pain may be the initial sign that a compression fracture has occurred.  Although back pain is common, it is not always part of simply growing older.  If you experience sudden back pain, have lingering back pain, or suspect spinal fracture, seek qualified medical advice from a spine specialist.  Whether painful or not, compression fracture can lead to new or adjacent fractures, spinal deformity, and loss of function.

Causes of Vertebral Compression Fracture

  • Osteoporosis is often a precursor to VCF.  Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that causes bones to weaken, lose density and strength, and increases fracture risk.
  • Trauma: compressive / force injuries
  • Local bone infection (such as spinal osteomyelitis) 
  • Certain types of cancer, spine tumors (rare)

VCF Symptoms

Symptoms that may accompany compression fracture include:

  • Pain; sometimes described as sudden, acute, unrelenting, sharp
  • Pain that spreads (radiates)
  • Numbness, tingling, weakness
  • Loss of height
  • Spinal deformity; kyphosis, hunchback
  • Loss of balance
  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction

Accurate Diagnosis Essential

A simple x-ray may be necessary to detect compression fracture, including its location and severity.  Dr. Frazier has access to a complete range of advanced diagnostic equipment including high-speed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT scan), bone densitometry (DEXA), myelography, and discography.

The diagnostic process involves Dr. Frazier’s careful analysis of your written medical history.  He discusses this with you and asks many questions about your symptoms, when symptoms started, treatments tried, hereditary disorders, existing conditions, and lifestyle.

During the physical and neurological examinations, Dr. Frazier evaluates your symptoms, movement limitations, problems with balance, and location of pain.  He reviews possible loss of arm or leg reflexes, muscle weakness, loss of feeling and/or abnormal sensations such as numbness or tingling.

Compression Fracture Treatment

Doctor Frazier recommends a treatment plan based on the accurate diagnosis of the cause of your compression fracture.  Treatment may include:

  • Pain-relieving medication, activity modification, and/or bracing.  Bracing limits fracture movement and immobilizes the spine.  Brace use is discontinued when x-rays reveal the fracture is stable and well-healed.
  • Osteoporotic patients, who are not taking medication to control osteoporosis, may be prescribed a drug and supplement regimen to prevent disease progression.
  • Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures involve injecting bone cement into the fracture to quickly stabilize the fracture and relieve pain. The difference between these procedures is kyphoplasty involves an inflatable balloon to create a cavity into which bone cement is injected.
  • Severe compression fracture may require spine surgery including spinal instrumentation and fusion.  Instrumentation (i.e. screws, rods) and fusion (bone graft) joins two or more vertebrae together, stops movement, and stabilizes the spine.

If your vertebral compression fracture requires surgery, be assured that Dr. Frazier will carefully and thoroughly explain:

  • Why he recommends spine surgery
  • How surgery may be of benefit
  • Possible risks and complications
  • When (how soon) is surgical treatment needed
  • Procedure name and type
  • How to prepare for surgery
  • Surgery aftercare and recovery

Dr. Frazier and his professional staff understand you have choices.  They have a deep commitment to patient education and want to help you make informed decisions about your health, medical care, and recovery.