What Is Done for a Lumbar Fracture?

Treatment planning for lumbar fractures is multidisciplinary. If the nervous system is affected, evaluation is important.

Question: Why are lumbar fractures increasing?

Answer:

  • High-speed traffic accidents
  • Increasing elderly population
  • Osteoporosis

According to the literature:

  • Osteoporotic spinal fracture risk in women over age 65 is approximately 25–30%
  • Spinal fractures due to simple falls account for approximately 60–70% of all vertebral fractures

Question: Is open surgery always required for lumbar fractures?

Answer: No.

How is treatment planned in lumbar fractures?

  1. Type and timing of the fracture are evaluated
    • Fractures within the first 6–8 weeks are more suitable for closed methods
  2. Presence of nerve damage is assessed
  3. Bone quality is measured (osteoporosis)

In osteoporosis-related fractures without nerve damage:

  • Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty
  • Patient rates with successful pain control: approximately 80–90%

If there is nerve damage or a fragmented fracture:

  • Open surgery + stabilization may be required