Life Expectancy After Compression Fracture: What to Expect

Compression or vertebral compression fractures occur due to osteoporosis, trauma, and other underlying health issues as the spine collapses. They can be a turning point in your health. Fractures in themselves are not life-threatening, but can have a significant impact on the overall health of older adults, especially those that may affect life expectancy. So, what is the average life expectancy after a compression fracture?

In this blog, we will explain the possibility of survival after a compression fracture and the factors that affect it. We will also explain how to improve the quality of life after these fractures.

Average life expectancy after compression fracture

Compression or vertebral compression fractures themselves do not directly affect life expectancy, but factors such as chronic pain, additional injuries, and reduced mobility can affect health and life expectancy.

Survival rate after compression fracture:

• Survival rates for people with vertebral compression fractures are lower compared to survival rates for matched controls.

• This study shows that survival or survival rates were 97.4%, 86.6%, 78.0%, 64.4%, and 59.4% at 1, 12, 24, 48, and 60 months, respectively.

• In some studies, overall survival rates for surgical patients were 65.6%, and fractures in people who were managed with conservative treatment with fractures 4 years after compression were 51.9%.

The following mortality rates following compression fractures are:

• Another study Individuals with compressive or vertebral compression fractures report a higher risk of mortality (death) compared to those who do not have fractures.

• the study Those who received Cliplast treatment show a lower risk of death compared to those who did not.

Six factors affecting life expectancy after compression fractures

Below are some important factors that affect life expectancy after compression fractures.

1. Age: Younger people with healthy bones are cured better, especially compared to people with osteoporosis, especially older people.

2. Causes of fractures: If osteoporosis is the reason, it can indicate bone debilitating that increases the likelihood of future fractures and complications that shorten life expectancy.

3. Fracture Severity: Mild compression fractures can recover with effective treatment, but severe fractures can cause chronic pain, mobility issues, and more risk of injury, leading to reduced lifespan.

4. Number of fractures: The more vertebral compression fractures, the higher the chances of death.

5. Existing Health Issues: The presence of two or more chronic health problems, such as pulmonary dysfunction, can contribute to an increased risk of death.

6. Proper Treatment and Management: Effective pain management, osteoporosis treatment, or physical therapy can extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life.

Complications of untreated compression fractures

Symptoms are often ignored as normal back pain, so the third round of compression fractures is not diagnosed. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to these complications.

Short-term complications

• Lower back pain, usually posting small movements or collapse.

• Mobility issues such as standing, walking, twisting, and difficulty bending.

• Additional fractures in the wrist, lower back and spine due to extra strain on the surrounding vertebrae.

Long-term complications

• Height loss due to excessive anterior curvature of the spine.

• Weight gain associated with lower mobility leads to an inactive lifestyle.

• Risks of other medical conditions, such as weight gain, can contribute to diabetes, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular disease.

• Nerve damage caused by stenosis of the spinal canal.

8 Best Tips for Improved Quality of Life After Compression Fracture

Follow these measures to improve your quality of life after a compression fracture that will help you improve your life expectancy:

1. Manage your pain

The first step to regaining mobility and independence. Therefore, take prescribed medications (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or muscle relaxant), cold or heat therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy according to your needs.

2. Consider physical therapy

Physiotherapy for vertebral fractures, such as stretching, aquatic therapy, and targeted exercise, can help build flexibility and strength and improve posture. This will help you recover from injuries and strengthen your body against further incidents.

3. Change your lifestyle habits

Add vitamin D and calcium-rich foods to your diet to boost bone health. Limit alcohol and stop smoking as alcohol is interrupted by the calcium absorption process and smoking weakens bone structure.

4. Stay active

Practice gentle exercises such as swimming, walking, and yoga, and stretch to reduce stiffness issues and improve mobility.

5. Participate in regular health checks

Visit your doctor to manage underlying health issues such as osteoporosis that contribute to bone deficiency. Providers can help monitor bone density or adjust medical care, preventing further complications.

6. I’m going for surgery

In case of persistent pain, your doctor suggests spinoplasty or myeloplasty.

7. Spine plasmography

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor injects special cement into the affected vertebrae to support the spine and reduces pain.

8. Spinal condition

Like spinal plasms, myeloplasty relieves pain and stabilizes the spine, but includes additional steps that involve inserting small inflated balloons to restore height to the affected spine and creating space for special cement before cement is injected. This reduces pain and improves posture and spinal alignment.

Symptoms of compression fractures

Early detection of symptoms can prevent the worsening of compression fractures with appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor these symptoms.

• Severe lower back pain usually occurs in the lower or middle back.

• Reduced mobility like standing, bending, twisting.

• A rounded or rounded back.

• Numbness or tingling sensation in the back, legs, or feet.

• Leg or back weakness.

• Height loss due to compressed spine.

• Tenderness in the fracture area.

Notes: Some individuals may not develop these symptoms. Furthermore, the severity of symptoms may vary depending on the extent and location of the fracture.

Potential causes of compression fractures

Knowing the possible causes of compression fractures can help prevent the risk of such problems. Common causes include:

• Osteoporosis: A condition marked by weakening of the bone, making it more likely to develop a fracture.

• Trauma or injury: A car accident, fall, or other physical injuries that lead to extreme spinal force.

• Tumors: Non-cancerous or cancerous tumors occurring in or near the spine can cause weakening of the vertebrae.

• Sports Injuries: Some sports, such as diving and gymnastics, can include high impact forces.

• Age: Aging leads to lower bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

• Low weight: People with less weight are more likely to experience compression fractures because their bones may be weaker.

When will you see the doctor?

If you experience sudden back pain due to these symptoms that do not set within a few days, consult your doctor.

Notes: If you have osteoporosis, it is important to visit your doctor regularly as it is the main cause of compression fractures.

4 tips to prevent compression fractures

Consider these tips to prevent compression fractures.

1. Bone health is prioritized:

• A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D: Eats foods rich in vitamin D and calcium such as eggs, cheese, yogurt, mushrooms, tofu and milk. Consider supplements if necessary.

• Expose yourself to sunlight: You are exposed to sunlight regularly for about 10-15 minutes so that your body can produce vitamin D.

• Medicine: Take medications such as bisphosphonates and denosumab under the supervision of a doctor that prevents bone loss and promotes bone growth.

2. Practice regular exercises:

• Weight-bearing exercise: engage in weightlifting, jogging and dancing to strengthen bones.

• Strength Training: Squats, bench presses, lunges, improve bone density and strength, improving overall stability.

• Balance exercises: Exercises such as heel toe walking, standing on one leg, or tai chi can improve balance and reduce the chances of falling.

3. Lifestyle choice:

• Stop smoking: This habit weakens bones and increases the chances of osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures.

• Limit your alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can affect bone health by disrupting hormone levels, disrupting calcium absorption, and causing a risk of falls.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Overweight or underweight can be a factor that contributes to compression fractures, as it causes excessive strain on the bones.

• Maintaining a good posture: Maintaining a good body posture can reduce the strain on your spine.

• Learn safe lifting techniques: This helps avoid back strains and pressures that can lead to the risk of fractures.

4. Seeking medical advice:

• Obtaining bone density test: This can help you assess the likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

• Attend a regular health check: Go to regular health checks to assess bone health and detect problems.

Final Thoughts

The average life expectancy after a compression fracture depends on the health effects of these fractures, including chronic pain, additional injuries, and reduced mobility. Survival rates for people with compression fractures are lower than those of matched controls. Individuals receiving spinal condition treatment have a lower risk of death compared to those who do not. Therefore, early medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments can improve health outcomes.

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