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Thoracic Conditions in Carmel, IN Thoracic Fractures

Thoracic Fractures

Injuries Affecting the Vertebrae of the Mid-Back

Spinal fractures in the thoracic (upper back) region typically occur due to injury from falls, car accidents, trauma, and sports mishaps. Degeneration of the bones from the natural aging process can also cause the condition.

At the Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, fellowship-trained spine expert Dr. Peter Swiatek utilizes best-in-class technologies and advanced techniques to deliver transformative outcomes. He can perform interventions such as thoracic corpectomy or posterior thoracic decompression and fusion (PTDF) to alleviate pain and stabilize the spine, restoring your comfort, mobility, and peace of mind.

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What Are Thoracic Fractures?

Thoracic spine fractures occur due to an acute traumatic event. Falling from a significant height or experiencing a high-speed car accident are common causes of the condition. Decreased bone mineral density may also contribute, in which a compression fracture can arise from poor bone quality rather than external trauma. Finally, thoracic fractures may be caused by a metastasizing tumor that destroys the bone tissue. The most common symptom is localized back pain. Patients may also experience neurological dysfunction in the lower extremities, bowels, and bladder.

What Are Some of the Signs of Thoracic Fractures

The following symptoms can indicate a thoracic fracture:

  • Significant pain in the mid-back (can feel crushing or sharp)
  • Pain that intensifies when shifting positions
  • Swelling and soreness above the injured region of the spine
  • Reduced mobility and difficulty twisting, bending, or standing up straight
  • A spine that curves forward, reducing height
  • Numbness and tingling in the back, chest, or legs
  • Muscle weakness
  • Incontinence

Thoracic Fracture Treatments We Offer

At the Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Swiatek performs several transformative interventions to treat concerns such as thoracic fractures. Surgical procedures include:

  • Thoracic corpectomy: Thoracic corpectomy involves decompression and fusion. To decompress the nerve, Dr. Swiatek will remove bone spurs, tumors, or fractures. This is followed by fusion, where damaged vertebrae are removed along with the intervertebral discs, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused. Bone grafting helps provide stability, and a metal plate with screws may be used to offer added support. You can expect your procedure to last around 3-4 hours.
  • Posterior thoracic decompression and fusion (PTDF): Posterior thoracic decompression and fusion is an advanced surgical approach with the goal of alleviating pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Like thoracic corpectomy, the surgery involves removal of bone, ligament, or disc material that is compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots (decompression). Dr. Swiatek will also perform spinal fusion, joining two or more vertebrae to maximize stability in the spine.
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How to Begin Your Thoracic Fracture Treatment Journey

As a first step along your treatment journey, you will attend a preoperative assessment. 

  • Be sure to inform Dr. Swiatek about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, especially blood thinners. The doctor may ask you to pause your medications temporarily before your surgery. 
  • If you smoke, you will need to quit before surgery, as smoking can prevent the integral bone fusion required to support long-term stability in the spine.
  • Dr. Swiatek will ask you to avoid eating and drinking after midnight on the day before your procedure.

What to Expect During Your Thoracic Fracture Surgery

For thoracic fracture surgery, you will arrive at our state-of-the-art facility in Indiana, where we will greet you warmly and answer any outstanding questions about your customized treatment plan. We will then administer general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout your procedure. To begin, Dr. Swiatek will make an incision in the back, chest, or side of the body, allowing him access to the damaged or broken vertebra. He will then remove bone fragments that are pressing on the nerve, realign the spine, and increase stability by introducing metal screws, rods, or bone grafting.

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Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Thoracic Fractures Care

After your surgery, Dr. Swiatek will provide detailed guidelines to help make your healing journey seamless. He will also schedule a series of follow-up sessions, which are an integral part of your treatment plan. The following tips can help you make the most of your recovery:

  • Avoid BLT (bending, lifting, and twisting) in the early weeks post-op.
  • Don’t pick up anything over 15 pounds.
  • Postpone driving until cleared by the doctor and until you have finished taking narcotic painkillers.
  • Use ice therapy 15-20 minutes at a time to minimize swelling.
  • Each day, engage in light walks to increase circulation and lower the risk of blood clotting.
  • Stick to a nutritious diet.
  • Don’t smoke or use nicotine, as it can slow down your healing and negatively impact the results of your procedure.

How Much Does Thoracic Fracture Treatment Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN?

Pricing for thoracic fracture treatment in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, can vary according to the complexity of Dr. Swiatek’s customized surgical plan and the extent of your condition. You will receive a personalized price quote once the doctor completes your introductory consultation, diagnostic testing, and medical review.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek sees patients in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana. He is a fellowship-trained surgeon with advanced skill and expertise in treating spinal diseases and disorders. He can address a range of conditions, including disc herniations, degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disease, trauma, tumors, and spinal deformity. Additionally, Dr. Swiatek provides cutting-edge solutions for those who have previously experienced failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. ​

Dr. Swiatek designs each surgical plan to reflect patient goals, always striving to choose conservative options whenever possible. When surgery is the next right step, he relies on evidence-backed interventions that support well-being, mobility, and a full return to an active lifestyle.​

Passionate about patient safety, Dr. Swiatek uses the latest innovative technologies and treatment modalities in spine surgery. This includes robotics to increase surgical precision and motion-preservation (non-fusion) treatments.

Training Background

Dr. Swiatek graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology. He then graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, and was named on the Dean’s commendation list for excellence in clinical skills.

Dr. Swiatek pursued demanding orthopedic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, ranked as one of the country’s most elite and renowned orthopedic and neurosurgical spine centers. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek embarked on a competitive spine surgery fellowship at the prestigious Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

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Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

View Case Studies

Patient Reviews

Trusted by thousands of patients nationwide

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