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Will fractured T2, and T4 vertebrae heal on their own?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a little stressed as I had a car accident a week ago. I have a fracture in my T2 and T4 vertebrae. The doctor sent me home with no brace and asked me to just take it easy. They advised me not to lift heavy weights and it will heal in six weeks. I am feeling good but there is a little sore. I did not have any painkillers for three days now. Will they heal like a normal fracture?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to iclniq.com.

You mentioned a car accident about a week ago in which you fractured T2 and T4 vertebrae. For any spinal fracture, the opinion is based upon a detailed neurological examination of the patient. X-ray and if needed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the involved region of the spine is taken to know the status of the bony alignment and the spinal cord.

Since you have been advised six weeks of light work, not lifting any heavy weight, etc, it appears that you just have a very minor crack of the involved vertebrae. However, I will reserve my opinion once I have all the information in the form of clinical examination findings and related investigation reports. Also if the fracture is minor or undisplaced, then sometimes doctors do not prescribe braces because the rib cage provides enough splintage.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

The probable cause is car accident.

Investigations to be done

Do X-ray and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the dorsal spine with images.

Treatment plan

Take rest or mobilization with a brace (further opinion reserved until I can see the fracture configuration).

Preventive measures

Do not bend forwards acutely. Do not lift any heavyweight.

Regarding follow up

Follow up after three to four weeks with x-ray images.
Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At December 7, 2019
Reviewed At October 18, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akshay Kumar Saxena is an Orthopedic surgeon, Traumatologist, and Spine Surgeon who examines patients to diagnose bone, joint, ligament, or other musculoskeletal problems, including diseases or injuries and is also trained to treat brain and spine conditions. He completed his MBBS from Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in 2005. He studied DNB Orthopedics at the National Board of Examinations in 2010. He provides support and advice to patients receiving long-term care, and he researches defects, diseases, and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. He is currently practicing in Uttar Pradesh with 17 years of clinical experience.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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