Spinal Fracture Repair Performed in Houston, Cypress, Tomball & The Woodlands, TX

$Doctor examining woman with painful spinal compression fracture$

When a bone sustains more pressure than it can withstand, it may break, or fracture. Every bone in the body can potentially break, including the vertebrae. The most common type of spinal fracture is a vertebral body compression fracture, which occurs when sudden downward pressure collapses the main load-bearing portion of a vertebra into itself, forcing the bone into a wedge shape. If the pressure is great enough, it may send shattered bone fragments into the spinal canal.

In addition to high-energy trauma, a spinal fracture can result from a bout of heavy lifting or forceful coughing/sneezing. People with weakened bones due to osteoporosis are especially susceptible to vertebral compression fractures. In addition to a sudden onset of back pain, a spinal fracture can cause a humpback, a loss of body height and difficulty standing or walking.

Whether you are experiencing sudden or chronic back pain, R. Alexander Mohr, MD, can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment plan to help you recover. Widely known as a spine surgery innovator, Dr. Mohr is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who practices at Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, serving patients from Houston, Cypress, Tomball, The Woodlands and the surrounding Texas areas.

How Is a Spinal Fracture Treated?

Spinal fracture treatment often begins with pain management and stabilization techniques to help prevent further injury. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, bracing or surgery may be needed to stabilize the spine.

Some surgical treatment options Dr. Mohr might suggest for a spinal fracture include:

Kyphoplasty

While the patient lies on his or her stomach, Dr. Mohr will use X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to precisely guide a hollow needle (trocar) into the fractured vertebra. Once the trocar is in place, Dr. Mohr will insert an inflatable, balloon-like device, then inflate the balloon to restore the collapsed vertebra to its proper height. Next, he will place a special bone cement in the trocar to fill the newly created space and fortify the vertebra.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)

While the patient lies on his or her back, Dr. Mohr will access the spine from the front (anterior) of the patient’s body. After removing any damaged disc material, bone fragments or other debris, he will strengthen the vertebral body by fusing the bones with a graft. In addition to serving as a binding medium, the bone graft will help to restore the vertebral body to its proper height.

Would you like to discuss kyphoplasty, ALIF or other treatment options for a spinal fracture with Dr. Mohr? Contact Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine today to set up an appointment at one of his convenient office locations in Houston, Cypress, Tomball or The Woodlands, TX.