Spinal fracture

Spinal fracture
Other namesVertebral fracture, broken back
Lateral spine X-ray showing osteoporotic wedge fractures of L1/2

A spinal fracture, also called a vertebral fracture or a broken back, is a fracture affecting the vertebrae of the spinal column. Most types of spinal fracture confer a significant risk of spinal cord injury. After the immediate trauma, there is a risk of spinal cord injury (or worsening of an already injured spine) if the fracture is unstable, that is, likely to change alignment without internal or external fixation.

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