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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Broke L1, L2, T12 After Falling. Advised Rest, Walking, Exercise On Bed. More Exercises To Be Done?

I slipped & fell on my camper steps & broke L-1, L-2, & T-12, on thurs Aug 8th. Came home from hospital that Sun., with dr.s orders to do nothing but rest & walk as much as I can tolerate, while in the hospital a PT showed me some exercises to do in bed, I wonder if there are any more exercises is should be doing, I did not receive a PT referral, shouldn't I have?
posted on Mon, 19 Aug 2013
Twitter Tue, 20 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 21 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hello,

You have injured your spinal vertebrae at three levels. It is very important for you to understand that your spine bones take equal load of your body in sitting or in standing positions.

So most important part of your treatment is REST in bed. Rest will be be for atleast 1 month and more depending upon seriousness and type of vertebral bone fracture.

While you will be in bed for this long then you might get wasting of your muscles and you can become weak later.

So it is important for you to do some In-Bed Exercises for keeping your muscles in tone.

You can just keep on doing the same exercises the physio taught in hospital as they dont change. Most Important is just to be In- Bed and do basic exercises. NO need for more training!!

I hope this has cleared your doubt.

Do write back to me if you need additional help,

Take care,

Regards,

Dr Merchant
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  Dr. Shailja Puri's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

Vertebral fractures are managed by complete bed rest on hard flat surface, analgesics, and exercises as prescribed by your physiotherapist.
However, initially bed rest will benefit the most.
The aim of all treatments is to keep the spine immobile to allow sufficient time for the fractured ends to heal up well.
While sitting and walking, a belt should be worn to keep the spine immobile.
Consult your orthopedician for referral to physiotherapist.
However, exercises should be attempted after sufficient period of rest.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

As you have sustained multiple fractures of the vertebral bodies, too much of vigorous physiotherapy is not indicated. Just follow the instructions given by your treating doctor.

I suggest you to take daily calcium supplements till the fractures consolidate which may take around 2-3 months. Avoid forward bending as much as possible and use of TLSO brace may be of help.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Broke L1, L2, T12 After Falling. Advised Rest, Walking, Exercise On Bed. More Exercises To Be Done?

Hello, You have injured your spinal vertebrae at three levels. It is very important for you to understand that your spine bones take equal load of your body in sitting or in standing positions. So most important part of your treatment is REST in bed. Rest will be be for atleast 1 month and more depending upon seriousness and type of vertebral bone fracture. While you will be in bed for this long then you might get wasting of your muscles and you can become weak later. So it is important for you to do some In-Bed Exercises for keeping your muscles in tone. You can just keep on doing the same exercises the physio taught in hospital as they dont change. Most Important is just to be In- Bed and do basic exercises. NO need for more training!! I hope this has cleared your doubt. Do write back to me if you need additional help, Take care, Regards, Dr Merchant