FRACTURES
Part 5
We will now discuss more subtopics about FRACTURES.
Complications
Complications associated with fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine include:
• Blood clots in the pelvis and legs — these may develop from staying in bed for long periods of time or not moving the legs. Learn more: Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism — a blood clot that enters the lungs and blocks blood flow. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency.
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Sores that develop from laying in one position for too long, also known as pressure sores.
There are also specific complications associated with spinal surgery. These include:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Spinal fluid leaks
• Instrument failure
• Bones that do not heal, also known as nonunions
• Wound complications
Your doctor will talk with you about these risks, and your care team will take specific measures to avoid potential complications before, during, and after your surgery.
Outcomes
Regardless of whether treatment is surgical or nonsurgical, there will be a period of rehabilitation after a fracture has healed.
The goals of rehabilitation include: Reducing pain, Restoring mobility, Returning the patient as closely as possible to their pre-injury state
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy while you are in the hospital and/or when you go home from the hospital to help you achieve these goals.
If your fracture was caused by osteoporosis, you are at an increased risk for additional fractures. Your doctor will recommend treatments to address bone density loss during your treatment and recovery — or, they may refer you to another doctor who specializes in osteoporosis treatment.
In some cases, there may be issues that delay or complicate rehabilitation and recovery.
These issues include:
• Inadequate reduction of the fracture (meaning, the vertebrae are not in their proper places)
• Neurologic injury (paralysis)
• Deformity of the spine that gets worse over time
Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine can be very painful, and it is not uncommon to have continued back pain for several months. The recovery process from a spine fracture is slow, but many people can make a good recovery.