“Collapsed vertebra” may sound like a very rare condition to occur.
If we have not experienced any severe accident that impacts the back causing a fracture or collapse of the vertebra, we might not realize that elderly men and women have a higher chance of developing this collapsed vertebra condition than expected. Most of the time, the only noticeable symptom is just ordinary back pain. This often causes patients to realize too late that their back pain is not just ordinary but due to a collapsed vertebra, which can worsen over time. Therefore, today we will get to know more about “collapsed vertebra disease” to find ways to prevent and treat ourselves or elderly relatives and those around us promptly.
Getting to Know Collapsed Vertebra Disease
Excluding vertebral fractures or collapses caused by severe accidents, collapsed vertebra disease often occurs in the elderly. This is because as we age, our bone condition deteriorates naturally. Especially in elderly people with osteoporosis, the risk of vertebral collapse increases significantly. Sometimes, just a simple misstep or a jolt from riding over a speed bump can cause the vertebra to collapse.
The older you get, the more cautious you must be, as even a minor fall once can lead to the serious danger of a collapsed vertebra.
How to Recognize Symptoms That Indicate Risk of Collapsed Vertebra Disease
The key symptom of collapsed vertebra disease that can be clearly observed is “pain.” The intensity of the pain depends on the severity of the vertebral fracture or collapse. The following are observations to differentiate between ordinary back pain and pain caused by collapsed vertebra:
- Pain in the middle back at the site of the vertebral fracture or collapse
- Sudden and severe pain
- Pain increases when moving, sitting, lying down, or walking
- Possible numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
- In some cases where the collapsed vertebra compresses the nerves,
patients may lose control over urination or bowel movements
Collapsed Vertebra Treatment with Balloon Cement Injection
Generally, there are several treatment methods for collapsed vertebra disease, depending on the symptoms and severity. Doctors will diagnose using X-Ray or MRI scans. If the patient does not have severe symptoms, such as nerve compression or severe fractures, treatment can be done with painkillers or injections for 1-2 weeks. The fractured vertebra can heal and reconnect normally within 2-3 months. However, if symptoms do not improve with medication, treatment with balloon cement injection is necessary to strengthen the vertebra and relieve pain completely.
Treatment Procedure for Collapsed Vertebra with Balloon Cement Injection
- Undergo MRI to locate the collapsed vertebra
- Patient receives anesthesia by an anesthesiologist
- Patient lies face down on the operating table
- Doctor performs a minimally invasive surgery and inserts a balloon tool to lift the collapsed vertebra
- Doctor injects cement to spread throughout the vertebra to strengthen the fractured area
- Doctor closes the incision and the patient lies on their back for about 1-3 hours to allow the cement to harden
The treatment of collapsed vertebra by balloon cement injection is medically called “Balloon Kyphoplasty.” It is an effective treatment with the advantage of reducing patient recovery time. Patients can stand, sit, and walk within just one night. It is also a treatment method that reduces risks for patients with osteoporosis.
Collapsed vertebra disease in the elderly can occur at any time due to bone deterioration with age and the threat of osteoporosis. Therefore, good self-care, accident prevention, and living with appropriate behaviors are the best ways to reduce risk. Both patients and those around them should pay attention and not overlook this. Additionally, eating a nutritious diet with all five food groups and having regular annual health check-ups are important to maintain strong and healthy bodies.
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Dr. Teerachai Phanitpong
Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon
Phyathai 3 Hospital
