Is surgery required to treat my L1 vertebral fracture?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a fall at home and fractured my L1 vertebra. My local doctor is treating me conservatively. I use a back brace while walking (maximum five minutes) and doing physiotherapy.

As far my work is considered, extensive travel is required.

Within how many days, I will get fully fit?
Will it create any complications in the future?
Is any surgery required? I am really worried.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query. It is almost three and a half weeks since the injury. I saw your scan film (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Treatment/management of vertebral fractures depends on two main factors, which include whether there is any neurological deficit due to the fracture fragments and the posterior structure. And the height of the collapse of the vertebra.

According to your CT scan films, the height of collapse is not more than 50 percent, so according to this criterion, it is conservative management (no surgery), but the status of neurological injury is not yet determined; it needs an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the whole spine.

And can you please send me the CT (computerized tomography) scan report, so that the intactness of the posterior structure can be known. So if your CT scan films do not show any damage in the posterior structures and MRI does not show any compression on the cord or nerve roots, it does not need surgery.

Follow-up X-rays are taken, possibly at the end of one month, to assess the progression of the deformity.

Please wear your spine brace always when you are in an upright position, i.e., sitting, walking.

I hope this helps.

Take care.