Understanding Spine Disorders: Insights into Burst and Compression Fractures

Spine disorders, such as burst and compression fractures, significantly impact the structure and function of the spine. A burst fracture is a severe injury where the vertebra, the spine’s primary bone, shatters in multiple directions. The spine’s bones consist of two main sections: the vertebral arch, a ring-shaped part that forms the spinal canal’s roof, and the vertebral body, which supports the majority of the body’s weight.

One common spinal injury is the compression fracture of the superior endplate of L2, leading to an estimated 15% loss in vertebral body height. Such fractures can cause retropulsion, a term describing the posterior displacement of a fracture fragment into the spinal canal, potentially leading to stenosis or spinal cord injury.

Spinal fractures in the lumbar spine (lower back) can exert pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain. Severe fractures, due to their instability, often necessitate surgery to replace damaged vertebrae and stabilize the spine.

Pars fractures, frequently seen in athletes, are most common in the lowest lumbar vertebra (L5). These injuries often occur in activities like gymnastics and martial arts, where the back is repeatedly bent backwards.

A vertebral fracture results in the collapse of the vertebral body, the front part of the vertebra. Multiple collapses can lead to a marked curvature of the spinal column. The first step in examining low back pain involves noting the spine’s contour, including the normal posterior curvature (kyphosis) of the upper spine and the anterior curvature (lordosis) of the lower spine. A lack of lumbar lordosis, or a flat lower spine, is often associated with low back pain.

Symptoms of pathologic vertebral fractures vary, potentially including back, leg, and arm pain, as well as neurological impairments such as numbness or weakness in these limbs, especially if the spinal cord or nerves are affected.

For more detailed information on these conditions, refer to sources such as Columbia Neurosurgery, University of Utah Radiology, and Hospital for Special Surgery.