Spine fracture care in Meridian, Mississippi

A spine fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine. Fractures can happen in two very different ways:

  • After an injury, such as a car accident, a fall from a height, or a sports injury
  • With little or no injury, when bones are weakened by osteoporosis. A compression fracture can happen from a minor fall, lifting, or even a cough or sneeze.

I am Edward Smith, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon at Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists. I evaluate and treat spine fractures. I see patients in Meridian and serve patients from across east Mississippi and west Alabama.

When to seek care

Schedule an evaluation if:

  • You have new back pain after a minor fall or strain, especially if you are older or have osteoporosis
  • Back pain is sudden, sharp, and worse with standing or walking
  • You have lost height or notice a forward hunch in your upper back
  • You were told a fracture was found on an X-ray or CT and you want a spine opinion

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away after a serious injury if you have severe neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, or new loss of bowel or bladder control. Try not to move your neck or back until you have been checked.

Diagnosis

Evaluation includes an exam of the spine and a check of nerve function. X-rays are available in our office and are often the first test. CT may be used to see the bone in more detail, and MRI can show whether a fracture is new and whether the spinal cord or nerves are involved. For fractures related to weak bones, we evaluate and treat osteoporosis here in our clinic to lower the risk of future fractures.

Treatment approach

Many spine fractures heal without surgery, especially stable compression fractures. Non-surgical care may include:

  • Pain medications and a gradual return to walking
  • A brace for some fractures, to support the spine while it heals
  • Follow-up X-rays to make sure the bone heals in good alignment
  • Physical therapy once healing allows, to rebuild strength and balance
  • Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment in our clinic when weak bones are a factor

Procedures or surgery may be considered when:

  • A compression fracture stays very painful despite a fair trial of conservative care; kyphoplasty, which places bone cement into the fractured vertebra, may be an option for selected patients
  • The fracture is unstable, meaning the spine may not hold its alignment as it heals
  • Bone fragments or alignment problems are putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves

Surgery for unstable fractures usually involves stabilizing the spine with screws and rods, sometimes with decompression of the nerves. The right treatment depends on the type of fracture, your nerve function, and your overall health. We review risks, benefits, and recovery before any procedure.

Care close to home

Spine fracture evaluation, X-rays, bracing, therapy, osteoporosis treatment, and surgery when needed are available through Meridian Orthopaedic Specialists. Call 601.385.9111.

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