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Fracture, Compression, Sports Medicine

David E.J. Bazzo, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM and Tara Robbins, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A compression fracture is defined as failure of the anterior vertebral column of the spine.

  • The thoracolumbar spine is divided into three columns:

    • Anterior column (anterior portion of ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Hyperflexion and axial loading injuries, such as with “spear tackling” in football or striking the forehead on the bottom of the pool, typically cause cervical compression fractures. ...

TREATMENT

  • Prehospital:

    • It is estimated that 3–25% of spinal cord injuries may result from improper stabilization of the spinal column during the transportation period.

    • If spinal cord injury is suspected...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Any patient with unstable radiographic abnormalities should be seen by an orthopedist or neurosurgeon for complete evaluation. 

REFERENCES

1
Denis F. The three column spine and its significance in the classification of acute thoracolumbar spinal injuries. Spine (Phila Pa 1976).  1983;8(8):817–831.
2
Goldstein C, Chutkan NB, ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Cantu RC, Bailes JE, Wilberger JEJr. Guidelines for return to contact or collision sport after a cervical spine injury. Clin Sports Med.  1998;17(1):137–146.

  • Costa F, Ortolina A...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Compression fractures without neurologic injuries are considered stable and, once healed completely, should allow the player to return to action when neck pain is gone, range of motion...

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