Fractures to Bones and Vertebrae

A fracture to a bony structure can result from injury to the neck or cervical area, or mid to low back, caused by an accident or automobile collision. Fractures can range from a slight crack to the bone up to a complete break. They can be simple or compound. Simple fractures include those that have no open wound at the site of the fracture. Compound fractures include those that involve tissue damage above the fracture site that includes tissue that is cut, torn or opened, which exposes the bone. A type of fracture that is sometimes seen following a serious accident is a vertebral fracture. When hypeflexion of the spine occurs a portion of one or more vertebrae in the spine can collapse, resulting in a wedge shaped fracture. Sometimes a more serious vertebral fracture, a burst fracture, may occur. It is important to get immediate medical attention and a proper diagnosis. An MRI scan is often performed, and sometimes a CT scan is necessary.