Frank J. Adipietro, MD

New minimally invasive surgical options are available to treat spinal fractures. Spinal fractures, also called, vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occur when a bone in the spinal column breaks and collapses. Like other bones in the body, the extent of the break can vary, from a hairline fracture to a complete collapse of the vertebral body. When a bone breaks, localized swelling can occur, and pain is common. In the spine, swelling and malalignment can irritate adjacent tissue and nerves.

Damage to even one vertebral body can alter the alignment of your spine, upsetting the distribution of weight along the spinal column and set the stage for another fracture.  Because many patients regard back pain symptoms as “arthritis” or a normal part of aging, only about one third of vertebral compression fractures are actually diagnosed.   Most patients will remember a specific injury as the cause; however, fractures may occur without any history of increased force on the spine.  Lying in a face up position generally relieves some of the discomfort. Standing or walking exacerbates the pain.

Generally, some trauma occurs with each compression fracture.  In cases of severe osteoporosis, however, the cause of trauma may be simple, such as stepping out of a bathtub, vigorous sneezing, or lifting a trivial object, or the trauma may result from the load caused by muscle contraction. Up to 30 percent of compression fractures occur while in bed.  In cases of moderate osteoporosis, more force or trauma is required to create a fracture, such as falling off a chair, tripping, or attempting to lift a heavy object. Of course, a healthy spine can sustain a compression fracture from severe trauma such as an automobile accident or a hard fall.

Spinal compression fractures can be slow and subtly harmful and may produce only modest back pain at first.  Over time, multiple fractures may result in significant loss of height. Patients develop a curvature of the spine as vertebral height is lost. The rib cage presses down on the pelvis, reducing thoracic and abdominal space.  In severe cases, this results in impaired lung function, and—because of compressed abdominal organs, early satiety and weight loss. 

Traditional treatments for spinal fractures include extended bed rest, pain medication and back braces, all of which can relieve pain but do not address the deformity caused by the fracture.  This forward curvature of the spine (kyphosis) makes it difficult to walk, reach for things or conduct activities of daily living.   Spinal surgery is also an option, but it is more invasive than non-surgical management and is typically reserved for patients with neurological complications. 

Eastern Long Island Hospital offers Balloon Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats spinal fractures and restores the vertebra to the correct position.  During the procedure, a small incision is made so that an orthopedic balloon can be guided through a tube and inflated to create a cavity in the vertebral body.  The cavity is then filled with bone cement forming an “internal case” to support the surrounding bone and prevent further collapse. 

One of the advantages of having a minimally invasive procedure is the potential for a shorter recovery time. On average, the procedure takes less than one hour per fracture treated.  After Balloon Kyphoplasty, patients report immediate relief from back pain and are able to return to simple everyday activities such as walking, reaching, bending and lifting.


 Frank J. Adipietro MD is a Board Certified Interventional Pain Management Specialist at Eastern Long Island Hospital.