Spinal Fracture Treatment Mumbai — Dr. Amit Chugh

Understanding Spinal Fractures

A spinal fracture is a break in one or more vertebrae. These range from minor compression fractures (wedging of the vertebral body, common in osteoporosis) to severe burst fractures and fracture-dislocations following high-energy trauma. Treatment depends on the fracture type, stability, neurological status, and the patient's overall health.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common spinal fractures, affecting an estimated 1.4 million people worldwide annually. They cause severe pain and progressive deformity (kyphosis) if untreated.

Emergency: A spinal fracture after trauma (fall, accident) with new neurological symptoms requires immediate emergency evaluation. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Symptoms

Sudden, severe back pain after a fall or trauma

Gradual onset back pain without obvious injury (osteoporotic)

Pain worse with movement, relieved by lying down

Progressive height loss and kyphotic (forward-bent) posture

Arm or leg weakness (if spinal cord/nerves involved)

Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency — call immediately)

Types of Spinal Fractures

Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) — most common; vertebral body collapses under load, usually from osteoporosis
Burst Fracture — high-energy injury; vertebral body shatters, potentially sending fragments into the canal
Flexion-Distraction (Chance) Fracture — seatbelt injury; horizontal fracture through the vertebra
Fracture-Dislocation — most unstable; vertebra fractures AND dislocates; high risk of neurological injury

Treatment Options

Conservative Management

Stable fractures without neurological compromise may be managed with bed rest, analgesics, bracing, and gradual mobilisation. Bone density treatment for osteoporotic fractures.

Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty

Minimally invasive injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra. Immediate pain relief in 80–90% of osteoporotic VCFs. Day procedure, no incision.

Pedicle Screw Stabilisation

Minimally invasive posterior instrumentation (pedicle screws and rods) stabilises burst fractures and allows early mobilisation while the fracture heals.

Decompression + Reconstruction

For fractures with significant cord compression or instability, surgical decompression of the canal combined with spinal reconstruction restores alignment and protects the nervous system.

Spinal Fracture