How serious is a T7 fracture?
In general, a patient with a fractured T7 would experience pain when moving, and have difficulty standing for long periods. Patients with associated rib fractures may sometimes even have pain with breathing (particularly when taking big breaths).
How serious is a transverse process fracture?
Transverse process fractures of the lumbar spine often are considered benign fractures related to direct trauma or psoas muscle avulsion. Treatment of these usually stable injuries is primarily administered when the patient becomes symptomatic.
How long does it take a transverse process fracture to heal?
This injury will take 4 to 6 weeks to heal. It can be treated at home with rest and medicine for pain and swelling. A back brace (called TSLO) or abdominal binder may be prescribed to reduce pain by limiting motion at the fracture site.
Do transverse process fractures require surgery?
Isolated transverse process fractures do not require surgical intervention or immobilization. Treatment is typically pain control.
How long does it take for a T7 fracture to heal?
You can expect your broken bone to heal within about three months. If you have pain beyond this period, it’s referred to as chronic pain. Ongoing pain after a spinal fracture has healed is caused by the change of shape to your spine. This change of shape can cause different types of pain.
What does the T7 nerve control?
The nerves in the area of a vertebra control specific parts of the body. For example, the 7th cervical nerve (C7) in the neck area controls the triceps (the muscle in the upper arm), while the thoracic nerves (T2 through T7) control the chest muscles.
How painful is a transverse process fracture?
These fractures can happen at any place in the spinal column. They may cause: Severe pain that may be worse when moving. Swelling and bruising.
What is the treatment for transverse process fracture?
Nonsurgical treatment—Transverse process fractures are predominantly treated using a gradual increase in motion, with or without bracing, based on comfort level. Surgery—Fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spine require stabilization through surgery.
What does T7 vertebrae control?
What is T7 in back?
The T7 vertebra is the seventh thoracic vertebra, found in the middle of the chest between the seventh and eighth pairs of ribs. It plays important roles in the support of the spinal cord, ribcage, and muscles of the chest.
Why do transverse fractures take longer to heal?
Transverse fractures heal more slowly than spiral fractures as there is smaller surface area of contact, and these fractures are caused by higher energy injuries often.
What do you mean by transverse process fracture?
Transverse Process Fracture. You have fractured a transverse process. There are two transverse processes that extend off each vertebra in the spine, one on each side. This is where some muscles and ligaments of the back attach to the spine.
What happens when a T7 vertebra is fractured?
In this group, males are significantly more likely to be injured. In general, a patient with a fractured T7 would experience pain when moving, and have difficulty standing for long periods. Patients with associated rib fractures may sometimes even have pain with breathing (particularly when taking big breaths).
What are the symptoms of a thoracic vertebra fracture?
Side view of a fracture-dislocation of a thoracic vertebra. This MRI scan shows a fracture-dislocation in the thoracic spine. Note the disruption of the spinal cord. Symptoms A fracture of the thoracic or lumbar spine causes moderate to severe back pain that is worsened with movement.
How are fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine treated?
Transverse process fractures are predominantly treated with a gradual increase in motion, with or without bracing, based on comfort level. Surgical treatment. Fracture-dislocations of the thoracic and lumbar spine are caused by very high-energy trauma. They can be extremely unstable injuries that often result in serious spinal cord or nerve damage.