Lumbo Sacral Fracture

Lumbo Sacral Fracture

Fractures in lumbosacral spine involve the break in one or more bones of the lumbar and sacral in the lower back. It is classified according to the mechanism of injury and the degree of instability. Compression fractures can occur after jumping or falling from a height and landing on the heels, sports injury or motor vehicle accidents can also lead to compression fractures. A 32-years female had motor vehicle accident and realized lumbo sacral fracture, was not able to move her lower limbs. Her limbs were mended by the decompression and fixation method and after the 6 weeks of surgery, she was able to walk with some support. It has been 6 months; she can now walk without any assistance but has infrequent pain.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

The approach to treatment depends on the fracture type, spinal stability, and neurological involvement. Stable compression fractures may heal with conservative care, but unstable or neurologically impairing fractures require surgical decompression and stabilization to restore spinal alignment and protect neural structures. Rehabilitation post-surgery is vital for regaining strength and mobility.

Frequently asked questions

01.How are lumbosacral fractures classified?

Based on mechanism of injury—compression, burst, distraction, or rotation—and spinal stability.

02.When is surgery needed for these fractures?

Surgery is indicated for unstable fractures or when neurological deficits like limb weakness are present.

03.What does surgical treatment involve?n>

Decompression of neural elements and spinal fixation to stabilize the fractured spine.

04.What is the expected recovery timeline?

Patients may regain movement within weeks; full recovery and independent walking can occur within months with rehab.

05.Can stable fractures be treated without surgery?

Yes, with bracing and rehabilitation if no neurologic symptoms and good spinal stability.