A post-surgical (iatrogenic) wedge fracture is a collapse of the front (anterior) part of a spinal vertebral body that occurs as an unintended consequence of surgery. This creates a “wedge” shape in the affected vertebra. It most often happens when bone strength is reduced by prior surgery (such as spinal fusion or vertebral augmentation) and then stressed by normal activities or minor trauma.
Anatomy of a Vertebral Body
Understanding normal vertebral anatomy helps explain why wedge fractures occur.
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Structure & Location
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The vertebral body is the thick, block-like front portion of each spinal bone.
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It sits between the intervertebral discs above and below.
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Origin & “Insertion”
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Unlike muscles, bones don’t “originate” or “insert.” Instead, the vertebral body supports mechanical loads from head and torso.
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Blood Supply
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Supplied by paired segmental arteries (e.g., lumbar arteries in the lower spine).
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Small capillaries penetrate the vertebral endplates to nourish bone.
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Nerve Supply
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Innervated by recurrent meningeal (sinuvertebral) nerves, which transmit pain signals when the bone or surrounding ligaments are injured.
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Six Functions
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Weight bearing: Carries the bulk of body weight.
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Shock absorption: Distributes forces through intervertebral discs.
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Structural support: Maintains upright posture.
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Protection: Shields the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.
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Movement allowance: Permits bending and twisting via facet joints.
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Attachment point: Serves as anchor for muscles and ligaments.
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Types of Iatrogenic Wedge Fractures
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Acute post-fusion fracture – immediately after spinal fusion.
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Delayed collapse – weeks to months post-operatively.
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Stable wedge – no displacement of vertebral fragments.
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Unstable wedge – risk of spinal cord or nerve root injury.
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Single-level – affects one vertebra.
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Multiple-level – involves two or more adjacent vertebrae.
Causes
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Osteoporosis (weakened bone)
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Over-aggressive bone removal during surgery
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Excessive hardware tension (rods, screws)
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Cement leakage in vertebroplasty
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Adjacent-segment stress above or below fusion
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Radiation therapy to spine
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Chronic steroid use
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Poor postoperative mobility (too little or too much activity)
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Malnutrition (low calcium, vitamin D)
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Smoking (impaired bone healing)
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Diabetes (delayed bone repair)
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Infection weakening bone
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Re-operation at same level
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High-impact activity soon after surgery
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Advanced age
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Female sex (postmenopausal bone loss)
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Genetic bone disorders
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Chronic kidney disease (mineral imbalance)
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Hyperthyroidism
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Alcohol abuse (toxic to bone cells)
Symptoms
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Sudden back pain
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Pain worsened by standing or walking
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Relief when lying down
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Height loss over weeks
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Kyphotic “hunchback” posture
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Muscle spasms around the spine
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Nerve pain radiating to arms/legs
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Numbness or tingling
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Weakness in limbs
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Difficulty breathing (if upper spine)
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Loss of balance
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Bladder or bowel changes (severe)
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Difficulty sleeping
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Reduced activity tolerance
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Pain when coughing or sneezing
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Audible “crack” at injury
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Tenderness over the spine
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Fatigue from compensating posture
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Depression or anxiety about mobility
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Fear of movement (kinesiophobia)
Diagnostic Tests
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X-ray (plain film) – shows wedge shape
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MRI scan – assesses soft tissue and nerve involvement
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CT scan – detailed bone imaging
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DEXA scan – measures bone density
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Bone scan – detects stress fractures
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Flexion/extension X-rays – tests stability
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Ultrasound – guides interventions
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Blood calcium level
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Vitamin D level
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Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
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Bone turnover markers (e.g., osteocalcin)
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Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
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Vertebral fracture assessment on DEXA
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Nerve conduction studies
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Electromyography (EMG)
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CT myelogram (if MRI contraindicated)
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Biopsy (if malignancy suspected)
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Urine N-telopeptide (bone resorption)
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Pulmonary function test (if kyphosis severe)
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Standing full-spine X-ray (alignment)
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
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Activity modification (limit bending/lifting)
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Bracing (thoracolumbosacral orthosis)
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Physical therapy (core strengthening)
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Occupational therapy (ergonomic advice)
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Pilates/yoga (with guidance)
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Traction therapy
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Massage therapy
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Chiropractic care (gentle techniques)
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Acupuncture
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
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Heat/ice packs
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Ultrasound therapy
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Electrical muscular stimulation
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Mindfulness meditation
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (pain coping)
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Aquatic therapy
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Tai chi
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Balance training
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Ergonomic adjustments (work station)
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Weight loss (reduce spinal load)
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Nutrition counseling
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Smoking cessation programs
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Fall-proofing home environment
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Assistive devices (walker, cane)
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Posture training
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Biofeedback
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Diversional activities (distraction)
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Breathing exercises
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Progressive muscle relaxation
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Graduated return-to-activity plan
Drugs for Pain & Bone Health
| Drug | Class | Typical Dosage | Timing | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | Analgesic | 500–1,000 mg every 6 hrs | As needed | Liver toxicity (high dose) |
| Ibuprofen | NSAID | 200–400 mg every 4–6 hrs | With food | Stomach upset, bleeding |
| Naproxen | NSAID | 250–500 mg every 12 hrs | With food | Dizziness, edema |
| Celecoxib | COX-2 inhibitor | 100–200 mg daily | With food | Headache, hypertension |
| Tramadol | Opioid-like analgesic | 50–100 mg every 4–6 hrs | As needed | Nausea, dizziness |
| Oxycodone | Opioid | 5–10 mg every 4–6 hrs | As needed | Constipation, sedation |
| Morphine | Opioid | 10–30 mg every 4 hrs | As needed | Respiratory depression |
| Gabapentin | Neuropathic pain agent | 300–600 mg TID | With meals | Drowsiness, weight gain |
| Pregabalin | Neuropathic pain agent | 50–150 mg BID | Morning & evening | Dizziness, dry mouth |
| Duloxetine | SNRI | 30–60 mg daily | Morning | Nausea, insomnia |
| Alendronate | Bisphosphonate | 70 mg once weekly | Morning, empty stomach | Esophagitis, hypocalcemia |
| Risedronate | Bisphosphonate | 35 mg once weekly | Morning, empty stomach | Abdominal pain, acid reflux |
| Denosumab | RANKL inhibitor | 60 mg SC every 6 months | Clinic visit | Hypocalcemia, infections |
| Teriparatide | PTH analog | 20 µg SC daily | Morning | Hypercalcemia, leg cramps |
| Calcitonin | Hormone | 200 IU intranasal daily | Alternating nostrils | Rhinitis, nausea |
| Vitamin D (Rx) | Supplement/hormone | 50,000 IU weekly | Weekly | Hypercalcemia (high dose) |
| Calcium citrate | Mineral supplement | 500 mg BID | With meals | Constipation |
| Methocarbamol | Muscle relaxant | 1,500 mg QID | As needed | Drowsiness, dizziness |
| Cyclobenzaprine | Muscle relaxant | 5–10 mg TID | At bedtime | Dry mouth, fatigue |
| Amitriptyline | TCA antidepressant | 10–25 mg at bedtime | Bedtime | Weight gain, drowsiness |
Dietary Supplements
| Supplement | Typical Dosage | Primary Function | Mechanism of Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 1,000–1,200 mg daily | Bone mineralization | Provides substrate for hydroxyapatite |
| Vitamin D₃ | 800–2,000 IU daily | Calcium absorption | Enhances intestinal Ca²⁺ uptake |
| Magnesium | 300–400 mg daily | Bone structure support | Cofactor for bone-forming enzymes |
| Vitamin K₂ | 90–120 µg daily | Direct bone deposition | Activates osteocalcin for matrix binding |
| Boron | 3 mg daily | Mineral metabolism | Influences Ca, Mg, and P handling |
| Zinc | 8–11 mg daily | Collagen synthesis | Cofactor for collagen-forming enzymes |
| Silicon (silica) | 10–20 mg daily | Bone matrix integrity | Promotes collagen and glycosaminoglycan |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 1–2 g daily | Anti-inflammatory | Reduces cytokine-mediated bone resorption |
| Collagen peptides | 5–10 g daily | Bone matrix building | Supplies amino acids for collagen synthesis |
| Strontium citrate | 680 mg daily | Bone density support | Dual: reduces resorption, increases formation |
Specialized Bone-Targeting Drugs
| Drug | Class | Dosage | Primary Function | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoledronic acid | Bisphosphonate | 5 mg IV once yearly | Bone density improvement | Inhibits osteoclasts |
| Ibandronate | Bisphosphonate | 3 mg IV every 3 months | Fracture risk reduction | Osteoclast apoptosis |
| BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) | Regenerative | Surgical implantation dose varies | Bone healing stimulation | Stimulates osteoblast differentiation |
| BMP-7 | Regenerative | Off-label in spine fusion | Fusion enhancement | Osteoinductive growth factor |
| Hyaluronic acid | Viscosupplement | 4 mg injection into disc spaces | Disc lubrication | Improves synovial fluid viscosity |
| Platelet-rich plasma | Regenerative | 3–5 mL injection | Tissue repair enhancement | Growth factor release |
| Mesenchymal stem cells | Stem cell therapy | 1–10 million cells injection | Bone regeneration | Differentiates into osteoblasts |
| PTH 1-84 | Hormonal anabolic | 100 µg SC daily | Builds new bone | Stimulates osteoblast activity |
| Strontium ranelate | Dual-action agent | 2 g daily | Increases bone mass | Decreases resorption, increases formation |
| Denosumab | Monoclonal antibody | 60 mg SC every 6 months | Resorption inhibition | Binds RANKL to prevent osteoclast maturation |
Surgical Options
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Vertebroplasty – bone cement injection
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Kyphoplasty – balloon expansion + cement
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Spinal fusion (instrumented)
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Posterior decompression (laminectomy)
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Anterior corpectomy + cage placement
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Instrumentation revision (hardware adjustment)
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Vertebral body replacement (prosthetic cage)
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Osteotomy (wedge resection to correct alignment)
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Minimally invasive stabilization (percutaneous screws)
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Expandable cage insertion
Prevention Strategies
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Pre-op bone density assessment
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Optimize nutrition (adequate Ca & D)
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Smoking cessation
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Limit corticosteroids
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Exercise program (weight-bearing)
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Ensure proper surgical technique
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Gentle postoperative mobilization
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Bracing in high-risk patients
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Periodic DEXA screening
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Fall prevention measures
When to See a Doctor
Contact your surgeon or spine specialist if you experience:
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Sudden new back pain without obvious cause
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Worsening pain despite rest and pain relievers
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Neurological changes such as numbness, tingling, or weakness
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Fever, redness, or drainage from any surgical wound
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is an iatrogenic wedge fracture?
A collapse of the front part of a vertebra caused by prior spinal surgery or treatment. -
How soon after surgery can it occur?
From immediately post-op up to several months later. -
Can it heal on its own?
Mild stable wedges may heal over weeks with non-surgical care. -
Is surgery always required?
No. Many cases respond to bracing and pain management. -
What role does bone density play?
Low bone density (osteoporosis) greatly increases risk. -
Can medications prevent it?
Yes—bisphosphonates, denosumab, and PTH analogs can strengthen bone. -
Is kyphoplasty painful?
It is done under anesthesia and usually relieves pain quickly. -
How long is recovery from vertebroplasty?
Most people go home the same day and walk within hours. -
Will I lose height?
Some height loss is common if the vertebra collapses. -
Can physical therapy help?
Yes—strengthening and posture training reduce symptoms. -
Are supplements effective?
Calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K₂ support bone health. -
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
Every 1–2 years for those at high risk. -
Can I exercise after a wedge fracture?
Yes—low-impact activities like walking and aqua therapy are safe. -
What pain meds are safest?
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs with food, under doctor’s guidance. -
How do I reduce future fracture risk?
Combine bone-strengthening drugs, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and fall prevention.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
The article is written by Team Rxharun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: May 06, 2025.
