Well, an informative consult with an ortho doc this morning in re back pain.
I have probably broken my back! Hence: FOB (Fall Off Bike) has led to BB (Broken Back). More precisely, a compression fracture of T8.
X-rays point to T8 which is the 8th (thoracic) vertebra. The pix show some compression in the upper endplate of the vertebra which should be flat, not concave. MRI will be scheduled next to get a better picture of things.
If the MRI results concur, then a procedure called kyphoplasty follows. Essentially, it is the insertion of a balloon into the fracture, its inflation to restore bone height, and then the insertion of bone cement into the vertebral body. Happily, it is an outpatient procedure called minimally invasive. AKA vertebroplasty, which is often used to prevent hunchback.
My guy recommends a spinal surgical center nearby. He says they are doing this procedure all the time.
Outcomes are positive in a majority of cases, with pain relief after 24 hours. If improvements occur with more conservative procedures (eg icing, heat etc) in 4 to 6 weeks, then the patient is probably not a candidate for the procedure. I am 3 weeks plus since my accident.
More to be revealed....
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