Extension fractures
An extension fracture is a serious spinal injury that happens when the bones of the spine are pulled apart by a forceful backward movement, often causing severe pain and limiting movement.
Specialist spinal expertise
Our experienced spinal consultants diagnose and treat a wide range of spinal fractures using evidence-based care.
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
Our consultants work closely with physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists to support every stage of your recovery.
Flexible access to care
Whether you're self-funding, using private medical insurance or have a referral, we'll help you access specialist care as quickly as possible.
What is an extension fracture?
An extension fracture is a type of spinal fracture that occurs when the spine is forced backwards beyond its normal range of movement, causing one or more vertebrae to pull apart. This places significant stress on the bones and the supporting ligaments of the spine. These injuries are usually caused by high-energy trauma, such as road traffic collisions, falls from height or sporting accidents, including horse riding and skiing. Although uncommon, extension fractures are considered serious because they may also injure the ligaments that stabilise the spine and, in some cases, affect the spinal cord or nearby nerves. Prompt assessment by a spinal specialist is important to determine the stability of the injury and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but commonly include:
- Sudden neck or back pain after an accident
- Pain that becomes worse with movement
- Swelling or tenderness over the spine
- Difficulty standing, walking or moving comfortably
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs if nerves are affected
If you develop numbness, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain following a significant injury, you should seek urgent medical attention.
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by asking how your injury happened and how your symptoms are affecting you. They will carefully examine your spine, assess your movement where appropriate and check for any signs of nerve or spinal cord injury.
To understand the full extent of your injury, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Neurological assessment to check sensation, strength and reflexes
- X-rays to assess the position of the bones
- CT scans to provide detailed images of the fracture
- MRI scans if ligament, spinal cord or nerve injuries are suspected
How is it treated?
Treatment will depend on the location of the fracture, whether the spine remains stable and if any ligaments or nerves have been injured. Your consultant will explain your options clearly and recommend the approach that best supports your recovery.
Treatment may include:
- Pain relief to help manage your symptoms
- A spinal brace worn for several weeks or months to support healing
- Physiotherapy to gradually restore strength, movement and confidence
- Surgery if the fracture is unstable or the supporting ligaments have been significantly damaged
Treatment routes for extension fractures
Many extension fractures can be managed without surgery when the spine remains stable. Treatment usually involves wearing a spinal brace for around three months to support the fracture while it heals. As your recovery progresses, your physiotherapist will guide you through a personalised rehabilitation programme designed to improve strength, flexibility and everyday function.
Recovery goals for Extension fractures
During the first stage of recovery, the focus is on:
Reducing pain and inflammation Protecting the fracture while it heals Maintaining safe movement Preventing stiffness where appropriate
As healing progresses, rehabilitation focuses on:
Improving flexibility and mobility Rebuilding strength Restoring confidence in movement Returning to everyday activities safely
The final stage of rehabilitation aims to:
Improve strength, balance and spinal control Build endurance for work, exercise or sport Return safely to higher levels of activity where appropriate Reduce the risk of further injury
Working with Spine professionals and teams
Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Spine treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Extension fractures FAQs
Recovery depends on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery is needed. Many stable fractures take around 8 to 12 weeks to heal, although rehabilitation may continue for several months to restore strength and movement.
No. Many extension fractures can be treated successfully without surgery if the spine is stable and the bones remain well aligned. Your consultant will recommend surgery only if it offers the safest and most effective outcome.
Many people with stable extension fractures will wear a spinal brace for several weeks or months. The brace helps support your spine while the fracture heals and reduces unnecessary movement during recovery.
This depends on your injury, your occupation and the activities you wish to return to. Some people return to desk-based work within a few weeks, while physically demanding jobs and sport may require a longer period of rehabilitation. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you on when it is safe to increase your activity.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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