Spinal fractures and trauma

At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our orthopaedic specialists and rheumatology consultants assess, diagnose, and manage spinal fractures and other injuries affecting the spine. If you have had an injury or have symptoms that may be linked to a spinal fracture, our consultant-led team can assess the injury and recommend appropriate next steps.

A spinal fracture occurs when one or more of the vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine, crack or break. Fractures can happen after significant trauma, such as a road traffic accident or fall. They can also occur with relatively little force when the bones are weakened. Osteoporosis is a common cause of spinal compression fractures.

Early assessment is important after significant trauma, particularly if you have severe pain, changes in sensation, or difficulty moving. Understanding the type and severity of the fracture can help your specialist recommend the most appropriate treatment.

A spinal fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae that make up your spine. The type of fracture depends on where and how the bone has broken.

Spinal fractures can be stable or unstable. Some fractures affect only part of a vertebra, while more severe injuries can involve several parts of the bone and may affect the spinal cord or nerves.

A compression fracture occurs when a vertebra collapses, usually at the front of the bone. These fractures are commonly associated with osteoporosis, but they can also happen after trauma or when another condition has weakened the bone.
Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture. Some compression fractures, particularly those caused by osteoporosis, may cause few or no noticeable symptoms.

You may experience:

Sudden or severe back pain

Pain that gets worse when standing, walking, or moving

Tenderness or swelling around the affected area

Reduced movement or difficulty bending or twisting

Muscle weakness or spasms

Changes in posture or loss of height over time

Numbness or tingling if nerves are affected

Symptoms of a spinal compression fracture can sometimes develop gradually, particularly when the fracture is related to weakened bones rather than a sudden injury.

If a spinal fracture affects your spinal cord or nerves, you may also experience weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your limbs. Changes in bladder or bowel control can be a sign of a serious spinal injury and require urgent medical attention.
There are several possible causes of spinal fractures. The amount of force needed to fracture a vertebra depends partly on the strength of your bones.

Spinal fractures caused by trauma may occur after:

Road traffic accidents

Falls, particularly falls from height

Sports injuries

A direct blow to the back

Other high-impact injuries

Other factors that can weaken the vertebrae and increase the risk of a fracture include:

Osteoporosis

Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines

Some cancers or tumours that affect the bone

Certain conditions that affect bone strength

Previous spinal fractures

A fracture that happens after a relatively minor injury may sometimes be a sign of osteoporosis or another condition affecting bone strength. Your specialist may recommend further assessment to understand why the fracture occurred.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your rheumatology specialist.

Your assessment may include:

A review of how the injury happened and the symptoms you have

A review of your medical history, including previous fractures or conditions affecting your bone health

A physical examination of your spine and posture

An assessment of your movement, strength, and sensation

X-rays to assess the vertebrae and identify fractures

CT scan to provide more detailed images of the bones, if needed

MRI to assess the spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding soft tissues, if needed

A bone density scan if your specialist suspects osteoporosis or weakened bones

After significant trauma, imaging can help your specialist identify the location and extent of the fracture. It can also show whether the spinal cord, nerves, or surrounding structures may be affected.

The tests and assessments you need will depend on your injury, symptoms, medical history, and what your specialist finds during your examination.
Spinal fracture treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, how it happened, and whether the spinal cord or nerves are affected.

Your treatment plan may include:

Pain relief to help manage your symptoms during recovery

A brace to support your spine while the fracture heals, when appropriate

Physiotherapy to help restore movement, strength, and function

Treatment for osteoporosis or another condition affecting bone strength

Regular monitoring to check how the fracture is healing

Further treatment if the fracture is unstable or putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves

Many spinal fractures can be managed without surgery, particularly when the fracture is stable and there is no significant involvement of the nerves or spinal cord.

If surgery is needed, procedures may include vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for selected compression fractures, or other spinal procedures for more complex injuries. Your specialist will explain whether surgery may be appropriate based on the type of fracture and your individual circumstances.

Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery. However, we work with leading healthcare professionals who can carry out these procedures when appropriate. If surgery is recommended, your consultant will explain your options and coordinate your ongoing care.
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, your care is led by consultants experienced in assessing spinal fractures, trauma, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Our approach includes:

Specialists experienced in assessing spinal fractures and trauma

A detailed assessment of your symptoms, injury, and medical history

Access to appropriate imaging to assess your spine and surrounding structures

Assessment of your bone health when a fracture may be linked to osteoporosis

Collaboration with other specialists when needed

A treatment plan tailored to your fracture, symptoms, and recovery needs

Evidence-based recommendations to support your ongoing spinal health

As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to providing accurate diagnosis and high-quality, patient-centred care.

Private health insurance

Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

Private assessment

If you have ongoing back pain after an injury or symptoms that may indicate a spinal fracture, our orthopaedic specialists can assess your symptoms, investigate the possible cause, and recommend appropriate next steps.

Our team can help clarify your diagnosis, explain your treatment options, and guide your spinal fracture treatment.

Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

Medically Reviewed by

Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist