What is a T12 compression fracture?

What is a T12 compression fracture?

A T12 or L1 compression fracture most commonly happens as a wedge fracture, which occurs when the front part of the vertebra collapses and the back doesn’t, making the bone look like a wedge. Osteoporosis, which causes decreased bone density, is a common risk factor for compression fractures.

What causes compression fracture of T12?

What causes a compression fracture? Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures. Osteoporosis is a type of bone loss that causes bones to break easily. Other causes include injuries to the spine (such as from car accidents and sports injuries) and tumors in the spine.

How serious is a compression fracture?

Spine compression fractures are serious, and they can cause painful or debilitating symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. Fortunately, treatment can help repair the damage and relieve symptoms.

What does a T12 compression fracture feel like?

If compression fractures cause symptoms, these may include: pain in back, arms, or legs. numbness and/or weakness in arms or legs (if the fracture has affected the spinal cord and/or surrounding nerves in the spine) over an extended period, patients may notice a loss of height.

How serious is a T12 fracture?

This is the most severe type of spinal fracture because it can result in compressing the nerves, leading to neurological complications.

How long does it take for a T12 compression fracture to heal?

Outlook (Prognosis) Most compression fractures due to injury heal in 8 to 10 weeks with rest, wearing of a brace, and pain medicines. However, recovery can take much longer if surgery was done.

Can you walk with a T12 fracture?

All the patients with L1 fractures and 70.9% of the patients with T12 fractures were able to walk independently with or without walking aids, but unfortunately, all the patients with T10 and T11 fractures didn’t regain the walking ability even 12 months after surgery.

How long does it take for a T12 fracture to heal?

A spinal fracture takes between six and 12 weeks to heal. During the healing process, spinal bones don’t return to their normal shape. They heal in their new compressed shape.

How do you sleep with a T12 fracture?

Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will decrease pressure on your back. You may also sleep on your side with 1 or both of your knees bent and a pillow between them. It may also be helpful to sleep on your stomach with a pillow under you at waist level.

Can you recover from a T12 spinal injury?

Individuals with T12 SCIs can still be independent because of normal upper body functions. The less severe your spinal cord injury is, the better your chances of recovery are. With massed practice, spared neural pathways at your injury site can reorganize themselves and help recover functions weakened by SCI.

How long does it take to recover from a T12 fracture?

What are the symptoms of T12 nerve damage?

T12 Spinal Cord Injury Complications

• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction. Inability to control the bowel and bladder muscles or inability to feel when they are full can cause leakage that you cannot feel or be aware of.
• Reduced Bone and Muscle Density.
• Difficulties Standing or Walking.
• Pressure Ulcers.
• Spasticity and Pain.