Is an endplate fracture a compression fracture?

CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral endplate injury is commonly seen in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

What causes an endplate fracture?

It is hypothesized that, in a large number of cases of aspecific low back pain, the primary cause of the pain is a fracture of the vertebral endplate caused by compression forces. Clinical studies have shown that, in many low back pain patients, damage of the vertebral bodies and or the intervertebral disc is present.

Is a compression fracture serious?

When left untreated, a vertebral compression fracture can lead to a multitude of back issues, as well as health risks and even death. While some health problems such as kyphosis—an unnatural curvature of the spine—result directly from a compression fracture, other health risks are a byproduct of pain and immobility.

Are endplate fractures stable?

A vertebral body fracture after minor trauma is a hallmark of osteoporosis. Because the damage is limited to the anterior vertebral column in most cases, the fracture is usually stable and not associated with neurologic impairment.

What does endplate fracture mean?

What is fracture of vertebral endplate? Vertebral endplates are thin cartilaginous plates between the discs the vertebrae. A fracture of the vertebral endplate is an injury to the spine in which the endplate on the vertebral body is fractured.

How should you sleep with a fractured spine?

Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level.

How long does it take for a compression fracture to stop hurting?

Pain from a spinal compression fracture allowed to heal naturally can last as long as three months. But the pain usually improves significantly in a matter of days or weeks. Pain management may include analgesic pain medicines, bed rest, back bracing, and physical activity.

Can you walk with a spinal compression fracture?

The symptoms of a compression fracture include back pain that gets worse over time (especially with standing), not being able to bend or move like normal, a decrease in height (your vertebrae will compress, making you shorter), stooped posture, trouble walking, and pain or tingling down the legs.

What are endplate Schmorl’s nodes?

Schmorl nodes, classically known as intravertebral disc herniations, were first described by Schmorl in 1927 [1]. Schmorl nodes represent a herniation or an extrusion of the intervertebral disc nuclear material through the vertebral body endplate, with displacement of this material into the adjacent vertebral body [2].

What are the complications of a compression fracture?

Complications of vertebral compression fractures include the following: deep venous thrombosis; acceleration of osteoporosis; loss of height; respiratory or gastrointestinal disturbances; and emotional and social problems secondary to unremitting pain and loss of independence.

How long for compression fracture to heal?

Most compression fractures due to injury heal in 8 to 10 weeks with rest, wearing of a brace, and pain medicines. However, recovery can take much longer if surgery was done.

Can compression fractures heal without surgery?

You want to ease the pain, heal the fracture, and treat the osteoporosis that weakened your bones and caused them to collapse. There’s a good chance you won’t need surgery. Most people can get by without it. Compression fractures usually heal on their own in about 3 months.

What is treatment for compression fracture?

For the most part, nonoperative treatments are recommended for compression fracture. These treatments include pain medications and modified physical activity. The doctor may recommend wearing a brace that helps support the back and prevents bending forward, and therefore removes pressure from the fractured vertebrae.