A burst fracture is a fracture of the vertebrae that can result in compromise to the spinal cord due to traumatic compression of the spine. The fracture can involve a "retropulsion" of bone into the spinal canal, leading to neurologic deficits due to compression of neurologic structures. Treatment for burst fractures involves early immobilization of the spine and possibly surgery. Patients can have long-term disability from neurologic injury or from a change in the alignment of the spine.
Diseases and Trauma
Processes that can weaken bone integrity can predispose an individual to fractures, according to the "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review." For example, osteoporosis is a condition of weakened bone due to demineralization that can cause a bone to fracture with even a slight trauma. Bone tumors, either benign or malignant, can also weaken a bone's structural integrity and lead to a fracture from a slight trauma.
Falls
Falls can produce enough axial compression of the spine for a patient to develop a burst fracture of the spine. When landing on their feet after a fall, patients can have a burst fracture and other injuries associated with high velocity trauma, according to the "Handbook of Fractures."
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a type of trauma that can produce enough axial compression of the spine to cause a burst fracture, according to the "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review." These injuries typically occur in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae.
References
- "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review"; Dr. Jay Lieberman (ed.); 2008
- "Handbook of Fractures"; Dr. Kenneth Koval and Dr. Joseph Zuckderman (eds.); 2006
- Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics: Burst Fractures
