Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon
FRACTURES | LAS VEGAS
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada
Vertebral compression fractures occur when the vertebral body collapses under compressive load. In patients with osteoporosis, this can occur with minimal trauma such as bending, coughing, or even normal daily activity. The vertebral body collapses anteriorly, creating a wedge deformity that can cause significant pain and progressive kyphosis.
Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic and Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas evaluates each fracture individually to determine the most appropriate fixation strategy based on fracture pattern, bone quality, and patient goals.
Most vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis are initially treated with pain management, bracing, and activity modification. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas recommends minimally invasive cement augmentation for patients with painful fractures that do not improve adequately with conservative management over four to six weeks.
Vertebral compression fractures causing persistent pain despite conservative management are treated with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. Dr. Andrew Lee performs these minimally invasive procedures at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas through a small incision under imaging guidance. A small tube is placed into the fractured vertebra and medical-grade bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to restore vertebral height before cement injection.
Recovery depends on fracture severity, fixation achieved, and patient factors. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas provides individualized rehabilitation guidance to optimize bone healing and functional recovery.
Weight bearing restrictions and activity timelines are determined at follow-up appointments based on fracture healing progress on imaging.
Pain decreases progressively as healing occurs over six to twelve weeks. Functional recovery continues for three to six months following surgery. Dr. Lee monitors healing with imaging at regular follow-up visits.
Most patients return to independent daily activity within six to twelve weeks, with full recovery over three to six months depending on fracture complexity and patient factors.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Follow all wound care instructions at discharge. Avoid soaking the incision in water until cleared by Dr. Lee. Pat the wound dry after showering and apply a clean bandage.
Monitor the incision for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage and contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately if any of these occur. Prescription refills require forty-eight hours advance notice.
Follow the specific weight bearing restrictions provided by Dr. Lee. These are individualized to your fracture pattern and the fixation achieved at surgery. Do not bear weight beyond prescribed limits until cleared at follow-up.
Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the nearest emergency room for fever, sudden increase in pain, inability to bear weight as previously tolerated, or wound concerns.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas
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