i have no question , just afraid

hi i read about your surgery ....i found this site in search of researching an operation im about to have ....My t11 has a burst fracture , ive tryed to avoid surgery but the doctors are telling me i need it....from what they tell me its very similure to what you described..........i dont know ... i guess im scared ...any suggestions?


This discussion is related to Burst fracture of lumbar spine.

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
A compression fracture is a condition in which a vertebra is crushed only in the front part of the spine, causing a wedge shape. If a vertebra is crushed in all directions, the condition is called a burst fracture.
Burst fractures are much more severe than compression fractures. The bones spread out in all directions and may damage the spinal cord. This damage can cause paralysis or injury to the nerves, which control the body's ability to move or feel sensations.
Signs of a burst fracture include:
Moderate to severe back pain made worse by moving ,numbness, tingling and weakness inability to empty the bowel or bladder properly, if the spinal cord is involved
If there is pressure on the spinal cord, the nerve roots or both, surgical treatment is usually recommended. The surgeon perform a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine with grafts and other instrumentation, as well as to take the pressure off the vertebra and nerves. This procedure removes any bone material touching the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Do not worry and hope for the best.
Refer http://www.csmc.edu/5728.html
Best