Is it really true that spinal fractures can be treated without surgery? That’s the report we heard on our mother’s recent fall and fracture. Does it just heal on its own?

There is an ongoing debate among surgeons as to the best way to treat all traumatic spinal fractures. Age of the patient and condition of the bones certainly make a difference. For example, older adults with osteoporosis (brittle bones) and other health concerns may not be good candidates for surgery.

In one-third of all cases, there is definite disagreement as to the best plan of care. Many surgeons feel that surgery is the best option. The spinal segment is stabilized with bone graft or hardware. Healing and recovery are faster. For younger adults, return to work is possible sooner making the operative treatment choice a more cost-effective approach.

For others, nonoperative treatment is the first line of care. Bed rest and/or a stabilizing brace offer the same outcomes as surgery with a less invasive approach. In fact, a recent study from The Netherlands confirms this belief. Comparing two groups of patients (operative versus nonoperative care) yielded similar results in terms of pain relief, function, and patient satisfaction.

For patients who choose the conservative (nonoperative) approach, if the bone fails to heal or if the spine remains unstable, then surgery can be considered at a later date. Each patient must be evaluated individually. There’s no single perfect answer for everyone.

With your mother’s permission, don’t hesitate to contact the physician and find out more about her particular situation. Understanding the reasons for this treatment decision may help alleviate your concerns.