2 replies to this topic

[Vimmatron]

Hi,

My father suffered a stroke 18 months ago, severely reducing his mobility through left-side spasticity. Since then he has suffered an L2 Wedge Fracture of his spine at some point in April through circumstances unknown.

He was x-rayed on the 18th of April and heard nothing back regarding the results until a meeting with his GP on the 2nd of May relating to a totally different issue. Upon review of his medical records at this appointment she exclaimed "oh, have you been told you have a wedge fracture of your spine?"

Since then she has booked him in for bone density scans to determine potential cause.

The problem is that we have been offered no advise at all on whether or not to restrict his mobility, keep him bed ridden or to take him to hospital to further his care.

Every example that I have read about here and elsewhere relating to fractures of this nature have resulted in extended hospital care and a back brace.

Can anyone offer any advice please? My father has been up and down stairs and normally mobile with this condition and i'm worried that he could be worsening the situation.

Thanks.

[hannibal]

I recently fractured my spine L4 vertre bre, and while I had spinal hardware t2-l4. I was told a back brace was a option but the doctor went ahead and fused me the rest of the way t2-s1.So fusion is a option. The surgery is pretty extensive, so you might want to look into a back brace. During my waiting time I was not given any restrictions. The only concern they had with a backbrace is sometimes deformity sets in. I would continue to talk to the doctor and see what they say.

[greybeard]

Talk to his doctor. Do some research by searching the internet for wedge fractures. They are apparently very common in the elderly and or usually attributed by them as "just back pain" associated with old age and so go unreported.