Spinal fractures occur when one or more vertebrae of the spine break or collapse. These injuries can result from trauma, osteoporosis, or tumors affecting the spine. Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, patients may experience significant pain, reduced mobility, and in some cases neurological symptoms.
At Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai, our spine specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for patients with spinal fractures. Using advanced imaging techniques and modern minimally invasive surgical approaches when necessary, our goal is to stabilize the spine, relieve pain, and restore mobility.
Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent spinal deformity, chronic pain, and neurological complications.
The spine is composed of a series of vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and support the body's movement and posture.
A spinal fracture occurs when excessive force or weakened bone causes a vertebra to crack, collapse, or shift out of its normal position. The severity of fractures can vary widely, from small compression fractures to more complex injuries affecting spinal stability.
Spinal fractures most commonly occur in the thoracic and lumbar spine, but they may also affect other regions depending on the mechanism of injury.
Spinal fractures can develop for several reasons.
High-energy trauma is a common cause of spinal fractures. This may occur due to:
• Falls from height
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Workplace accidents
Traumatic fractures often require urgent medical evaluation.
Osteoporosis weakens bone structure and can make vertebrae more vulnerable to fractures, even after minor trauma or everyday activities. These fractures are often called vertebral compression fractures.
Tumors affecting the spine can weaken the vertebral body and increase the risk of pathological fractures.
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture.
Common symptoms include:
• Severe back pain, often worsening with movement
• Pain when pressure is applied to the spine
• Difficulty bending, twisting, or standing upright
• Limited mobility
• Muscle spasms around the injured area
If the fracture affects nearby nerves or the spinal cord, neurological symptoms may occur, including:
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Weakness in the limbs
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
At Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai, diagnosing a spinal fracture involves a detailed clinical assessment and advanced imaging studies.
The physician evaluates pain location, spinal alignment, mobility, and neurological function.
This helps determine whether the fracture may be affecting spinal stability or nerve structures.
Imaging tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the injury.
These may include:
• X-rays – to identify vertebral fractures and spinal alignment
• CT scans – to evaluate fracture patterns and bone structures in detail
• MRI scans – to assess soft tissues, ligaments, and potential spinal cord compression
Accurate imaging allows appropriate treatment planning.
Treatment depends on several factors, including the type of fracture, severity of symptoms, spinal stability, and the patient's overall health.
Many fractures can be treated successfully without surgery.
For stable fractures, conservative management is often effective.
Pain-relieving medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs, may help control symptoms during the healing process.
A supportive back brace may be used to stabilize the spine and limit movement while the fracture heals.
Bracing also helps reduce pain and maintain proper spinal alignment.
Surgical treatment may be necessary if:
• Severe pain persists despite conservative treatment
• The fracture causes spinal instability
• Neurological symptoms develop
• Significant spinal deformity occurs
Common surgical options include:
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to restore height and stabilize the bone.
This technique can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
In more complex fractures, stabilization of the spine using screws and rods may be required.
These procedures help restore spinal alignment and provide long-term stability.
Whenever possible, these procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which allow smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery.
Case 1:The patient from Germany, he had fractures of thoracic T12 and Lumbar L1, he was treated with Vertebroplasty in other hospital developed 90° Kyphosis with stenosis and lost the ability to stand and sit. We addressed it minimally invasively through microscopic transthoracic vertebral body replacement of T12 & L1 in combination with minimal invasive percutaneous instrumentation. He was able to ambulate again without any helping aids and restored his ability to sit and stand straight once again.
89 years old Patient had a car accident in London, she developed unstable dislocated neck fracture C4/5. We carried out stabilisation and she was able to ambulate on day 1 after surgery.
Case3 Patient from Germany. cervical Fracture by Ankylosing Spondylitis patient who fell at home at home and developed unstable fracture
Here we addressed the fracture promptly and managed to stabilise it.
Patient fell from ladder and developed lumbar L4 fracture, he was addressed in minimal invasive technique with L4 replacement and stabilisation. He was able to ambulate without any aids on day 1 after surgery
With appropriate treatment, many patients recover well from spinal fractures and can gradually return to normal activities.
Early diagnosis and individualized treatment are essential to ensure optimal healing and prevent long-term complications.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Immediate medical evaluation is recommended if symptoms include:
• Severe or persistent back pain following trauma
• Progressive weakness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
These symptoms may indicate serious spinal injury or nerve compression and require urgent treatment.
If you are experiencing severe back pain after trauma or have been diagnosed with a spinal fracture, early specialist evaluation is important to determine the best treatment strategy.
Book your appointment at Fakeeh University Hospital Dubai to receive expert diagnosis and personalized spine care.
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