–> Conservative Treatments

Traditional treatment for spinal fractures may include several weeks of bed rest, painkillers, physiotherapy and, sometimes, wearing a corset.

— THEIR LIMITS

• Don’t treat the fractured vertebra, prolonged bed rest (4 to 6 weeks) is essential for good results but diffi cult to stick to.

• Morbidity associated with prolonged bed rest (infection, muscle atrophy, bed sores, respiratory problems)

–> Minimally Invasive Treatments

VERTEBROPLASTY

The aim of this technique is to stabilise the fracture and relieve pain. The fractured vertebrae are stabilised by injecting bone cement into the centre of the vertebra.

KYPHOPLASTY USING BALLOONS OR STENTS

The objective of this technique is to relieve pain, stabilise the fracture and restore the height of the vertebral body [1].

The procedure involves inserting two inflatable bone tamps or two stents into the vertebra in order to create a cavity, which is then filled with bone cement.

— THEIR LIMITS

• These techniques are effective in terms of restoring independence and pain relief, but are less effective in terms of restoring vertebral height. [2, 3]

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Traditionally, a surgical technique known as spinal fusion is used to treat complex spinal fractures with neurological disorders. It is used to permanently block one or more intervertebral articulations in the vertebral column. Metal screws, plates or rods are used to fuse together two or more adjacent vertebrae.

The aim is to stabilise the vertebral column and relieve pain.

— LIMITS AND DISADVANTAGES

• Major surgery, therefore a long recovery time.

• Rehabilitation necessary.

• Use of heavy analgesics.

• Higher inter-operatively complications rate.