Spine fracture management
Specialist support following vertebral fragility fractures, including bone health assessment, osteoporosis investigation, pain-related context and planning to reduce future fracture risk.
A spine fracture can sometimes occur after only minor trauma. It may be a sign of underlying osteoporosis or another bone health problem that needs specialist review.
What is spine fracture management?
Spine fracture management focuses on understanding why a vertebral fracture has occurred, whether underlying osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease is present, and what can be done to reduce the risk of further fractures.
Understanding the fracture
Vertebral fractures may be linked to osteoporosis, trauma, steroid use, metabolic bone disease or other underlying factors. A specialist assessment helps clarify the likely cause.
Preventing further fractures
Once a spine fracture has occurred, future fracture prevention becomes important. Treatment may include scan review, blood tests, medication planning and lifestyle or falls prevention advice.
When specialist review may be useful
A specialist bone health review may be helpful after a diagnosed spine fracture, suspected vertebral fracture or unexplained back pain in someone at risk of osteoporosis.
Common reasons for review
- Vertebral compression fracture on X-ray, MRI or CT
- Back pain after a minor fall or low-impact injury
- Height loss or increased spinal curvature
- Previous fragility fracture elsewhere
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia on DEXA scan
Risk factors to consider
- Low bone density or previous fracture
- Long-term steroid treatment
- Vitamin D deficiency or calcium imbalance
- Inflammatory disease or other medical conditions
- Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
What the consultation may include
The aim is to assess the fracture in context, identify underlying bone health issues and create a clear plan for treatment, monitoring and future prevention.
The fracture type, imaging results, symptoms and history of how the fracture occurred are reviewed.
DEXA scan results, previous fractures, medication and wider osteoporosis risk factors are considered.
Blood tests or further imaging may be suggested if an underlying metabolic or secondary cause is suspected.
You receive advice on treatment options, monitoring, lifestyle support and reducing future fracture risk.
How spine fracture care may be supported
Treatment depends on the fracture, symptoms, bone density, medical history and whether osteoporosis or another bone disorder is contributing.
Bone health treatment
- Osteoporosis medication where appropriate
- Advice on injections or infusions for higher risk cases
- Vitamin D and calcium assessment
- Investigation of secondary causes of bone weakness
- Monitoring with scans or blood tests where needed
Recovery and risk reduction
- Advice on safe activity and gradual recovery
- Falls risk reduction and balance support
- Posture, strengthening and mobility considerations
- Coordination with spinal, orthopaedic or therapy teams where needed
- Long-term plan to prevent further fragility fractures
Spine fracture questions
Common questions about vertebral compression fractures, osteoporosis and specialist bone health assessment.
Does a spine fracture mean I have osteoporosis?
Not always, but vertebral fragility fractures are commonly linked with osteoporosis and should prompt a careful bone health review.
What symptoms can spine fractures cause?
Some spine fractures cause sudden back pain, height loss or postural change. Others may be found incidentally on imaging.
Can future spine fractures be prevented?
Future risk can often be reduced with appropriate osteoporosis treatment, vitamin D and calcium review, falls prevention and monitoring.
Should I have a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is often helpful after a vertebral fracture, but Professor Keen will interpret it alongside your fracture history and wider clinical risk.
Book a spine fracture bone health review
If you have had a spine fracture, vertebral compression fracture or are concerned about future fracture risk, please contact the office to arrange a specialist consultation.
Contact details
For private appointments and general enquiries, please contact Professor Keen's office.