Lumbar Compression Fractures

Lumbar Compression Fractures

Lumbar compression fractures occur when the vertebra in the spine collapse from the normal height to about half its size. A compression fracture is when the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. At times there can be multiple compression fractures of the spine. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures. Other may include tumors and trauma to the back. If it results in any damage to the spinal cord symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and weakness. Depending on the area of the back, most compression fractures do not cause neurological symptoms. A spine x-ray shows at least one compressed vertebra that is shorter than the other vertebra. If there is no history of trauma, a bone density test needs to be done to evaluate for osteoporosis. If checking for a tumor that possibly made the vertebra weak, a CT or MRI scan can be used for evaluation. Majority of lumbar compression fractures are caused by osteoporosis in the elderly. These fractures generally do not cause spinal cord injury. Treatment includes treating the osteoporosis, employ back braces, or a minimally invasive technique.

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis & Thoracic Foraminal Stenosis

Thoracic Foraminal Stenosis & Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Thoracic spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal cord or nerves are compressed by either the narrowing in the spinal canal or vertebrae. The size of the spinal cord will remain the same in the thoracic area; the canal is narrower in that region. Normally thoracic spinal stenosis is associated with either the cervical or lumbar region. The ribs provide more stability to the thoracic spine. Spinal stenosis can cause weakness in your extremities. Most cases will occur in the lower back than in the thoracic region. Thoracic foraminal stenosis symptoms are often the same. The difference in thoracic foraminal stenosis is one or more vertebral foramen is being affected. The foramen can become compressed overtime with age. Thoracic foraminal stenosis may be either congenital or degenerative. As degeneration occurs the person will experience worse pain. These symptoms can be reduced by anti-flammatory over the counter medications, laminectomy, and spinal fusions.

Clay-Shoveler's Fracture

Clay-Shoveler’s Fracture

The clay-shoveler’s fracture is an oblique fracture of the lower cervical or upper thoracic spinous processes. These fractures commonly occur at the levels of C6, C7, and T1. The clay-shoveler’s fractures results from hyper flexion of the neck. Hopefully, the avulsion fracture is only with the spinous process and does not extend into the lamina, which has a better chance for some type of spinal cord injury. These fractures can happen to laborers who perform activities involving lifting weights with arms extended. Symptoms include burning, “knife-like” pain at the level of the fractured spine between the upper shoulder blades. Most clay-shoveler receives no treatment. Pain medication, physical therapy, and massages can help reduce the symptoms. These fractures are diagnosed by an x-ray exam of the spine.

Carotid Body Tumor

Carotid Body Tumor



A Carotid body tumor is a mass that is found in the upper neck that branches off the carotid artery. Carotid body tumors are also called Chemodectoma or Paraganglioma. There are many paragangliomas in the head and neck, but carotid body tumors are the most common. Carotid body tumors are painless neck masses that lay lateral to the tip of the hyoid bone. These tumors cause a lateral displacement and widening of carotid artery bifurcation that is best demonstrated on radiographic imaging studies. The tumors measure approximately 4.0 cm in their greatest dimension, and they often lack a capsule. Most paragangliomas are benign neoplasm. Although these types are not normally deadly, they can be locally aggressive; therefore, many times, removal of the tumor is recommended.