Spine Fractures

A spine fracture is a break or crack in one or more bones of the spine. It can happen in the neck, mid back or lower back. In young and healthy people, spine fractures usually happen due to high force injuries like road accidents, falls from height or sports. In elderly people with weak bones due to osteoporosis, even a small fall or lifting something heavy can cause a spine fracture. Fractures can also happen when a tumour or infection weakens the spine bone.

Some spine fractures are stable and heal with rest and a brace, while others can make the spine unstable or press on the spinal cord and nerves, causing weakness or paralysis. This is why every spine injury needs quick and careful assessment. During his training at TNMC & Nair Hospital, Mumbai, Dr. Tanmay Avhad managed a large number of spine trauma cases and has published research on cost effective fixation of spine fracture dislocation with spinal cord injury. At SpineArc, he treats spine fractures with the right plan for each patient, including minimally invasive fixation through small cuts when surgery is needed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a spine fracture depend on where it is and how severe it is. Common symptoms include:

Sudden, severe pain in the neck or back after an injury or fall.

Pain that becomes worse with movement, standing or walking.

Tenderness or swelling over the injured part of the spine.

Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.

Loss of height or a new bend in the back, especially in osteoporotic fractures.

Loss of bladder or bowel control or inability to move the legs, which needs emergency care.

Causes

Spine fractures can happen due to injury or weakness in the spine bones. Some of the most common causes are:

Road traffic accidents, including two wheeler and car accidents.

Falls from height, like from a ladder, building or tree.

Sports injuries, diving into shallow water and other high impact activities.

Osteoporosis, where weak bones break with minor falls or even bending and lifting.

Spine tumours or cancer that has spread to the spine.

Spinal infections like spinal TB that damage and weaken the bone.

Long term steroid use or conditions like ankylosing spondylitis that make the spine brittle.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat a spine fracture the right way, the type of fracture, spine stability and nerve involvement must be assessed quickly. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical and neurological check to find the injured level and test strength, sensation, reflexes and bladder function.
Imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan to see the fracture pattern in detail, and MRI to check the spinal cord, nerves and ligaments.
Pain control and bracing for stable fractures, with close follow up to make sure the fracture heals in the right position.
Bone strength tests and treatment, like a DEXA scan and osteoporosis medicines, for fractures caused by weak bones.
Minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation for unstable fractures, where screws and rods are placed through small cuts under image guidance, with less blood loss and faster recovery.
Decompression and fixation surgery when the fracture presses on the spinal cord or nerves, to relieve pressure and stabilise the spine.
Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and guided walking, to help patients regain strength and return to daily life

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get a spine fracture. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Road and work safety

Riding without a helmet, not wearing seat belts and working at height without safety gear.

Osteoporosis

Women after menopause and elderly people with weak bones.

Age and falls

Poor balance, weak muscles and slippery floors increase fall risk in the elderly.

Cancer or infection

Tumours and infections like TB can weaken the spine bones.

Long term steroid use

Steroids taken for a long time can thin the bones.

You Deserve Expert Care After a Spine Injury

Get the right diagnosis and advanced spine fracture treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about spine fracture treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

What should I do if someone has a spine injury?

Do not move the person unless there is danger. Keep the head, neck and back in a straight line and call for emergency help. Moving them wrongly can worsen spinal cord injury.

Do all spine fractures need surgery?

No. Many stable fractures heal with pain medicines, rest and a brace. Surgery is needed when the fracture is unstable, the spine bone has collapsed a lot, or there is pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

What is minimally invasive spine fixation?

It is a surgery where screws and rods are placed through small cuts under image guidance to hold the fractured spine in place. It causes less blood loss, less pain and allows faster recovery than open surgery.

How long does a spine fracture take to heal?

Most spine fractures take about 8 to 12 weeks to heal, depending on the type of fracture, bone strength and the treatment used.

Can a small fall cause a spine fracture in elderly people?

Yes. In elderly people with osteoporosis, even a minor fall, lifting or coughing can cause a spine fracture. Any new back pain after a fall should be checked.

How can I book an appointment for spine fracture treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel