Fractures of the vertebra of the spinal column

Aetiology

• High energy trauma
• Fragility/pathological fractures - osteoperosis, neoplasm, metabolic disorders

PC

Trauma - severe back pain at #site, Hx of trauma, radicular pain (if nerve compression)

Fragility - pain, minor trauma or none, loss of height, difficulty breathing, GI Sx, depression

Investigations

x-ray = wedge #

CT

MRI - for neurological involvement

Management

Trauma:

• ABC and haemorrhage control
• Pain relief
• Early spine immobilisation
• Surgical fixation

For pathological/fragility: